Colin Clarke - Drayton Valley Town Councillor

The Mayor’s Gala and Community Recognition Awards Night is a wonderful annual event to demonstrate our appreciation for all those individuals and groups who make our community of Drayton Valley special! This year's event will be held on October 12, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at the MacKenzie Conference Centre.

Nominations are now open! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to nominate a hero of the community! We are looking for businesses that go that extra mile, organizations that go above and beyond, and exceptional individuals or groups in the community!

Applications are accepted in the following categories:
• Business Achievement Award
• Community Spirit Award
• New Community Organization Award
• Youth Empowerment Award
• Excellence in Athletics
• Arts and Music Award
• Teachers/Educators Award
• Healthcare Award
• Emergency Services Award

Nominations are now open and nomination forms are available at Town facilities or online at www.draytonvalley.ca/mayors-gala/! For any questions, please contact 780-514-2200!

The 2023 Mayor’s gala is happening this October.

It’s a great venue to recognize those who contribute significantly to the community in a few different categories.

If there is someone who you feel should be nominated, please fill out the nomination form!

See the info below for more info! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

The Mayor’s Gala and Community Recognition Awards Night is a wonderful annual event to demonstrate our appreciation for all those individuals and groups who make our community of Drayton Valley special! This year's event will be held on October 12, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at the MacKenzie Conference Centre.

Nominations are now open! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to nominate a hero of the community! We are looking for businesses that go that extra mile, organizations that go above and beyond, and exceptional individuals or groups in the community!

Applications are accepted in the following categories:
• Business Achievement Award
• Community Spirit Award
• New Community Organization Award
• Youth Empowerment Award
• Excellence in Athletics
• Arts and Music Award
• Teachers/Educators Award
• Healthcare Award
• Emergency Services Award

Nominations are now open and nomination forms are available at Town facilities or online at www.draytonvalley.ca/mayors-gala/! For any questions, please contact 780-514-2200!

Some helpful information on dozer guards and damages to fence lines, etc. - see the graphic below ⬇️⬇️⬇️

We understand that many people have questions and concerns about repairs to their property and fences that were damaged as a result of fire operations.

We have developed a plan to repair or replace agricultural infrastructure that was lost or damaged due to firefighting operations. This includes barbed wire fences, corrals, outbuildings or panels etc.

If your property was damaged as a direct result of the fire, please call your insurance company.

If damage was caused by heavy equipment or firefighters while they were carrying out the functions of mitigating the fire such as dozer guards, please click the link below to fill out the Livestock Handling Infrastructure Damage Report.
A municipal representative will reach out with next steps that will include an assessment of the property to determine what form of compensation will be provided.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUhzUhQ1qWPmF7fL5cotjny7iyznHuQa6F0QW4ZlYpr5HWSQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

For more information please call the Director of Emergency Management at 780-514-2388.

Welcome Back everyone,

We had AHS visited us today and we get everything ready to open tomorrow Wednesday,May 17th on our regular hours from 11am to 9 pm .

let's welcome all Drayton valley people and offer 15% discounts from your order for Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th.

Bus Registration for Return to Drayton Valley Please complete for EACH INDIVIDUAL as this is used to determine bus needs. (Ex family of 5=5 forms)

Information Session for Evacuees of the Buck Creek Wildfire.

If wildfire smoke is a problem in your community, stay inside as much as possible and keep all windows and doors closed. Smoke particles can cause burning eyes, runny noses, coughing or trouble breathing. Check on neighbours who live alone, and if you are in a wildfire area, be ready to evacuate. More tips: https://bit.ly/2xdxh4v

A reminder of garbage pickup, landfill, and transfer station details:

CURBSIDE GARBAGE PICKUP
Residential garbage pick up for Drayton Valley residents will be Thursday, May 18 and Friday, May 19. The regular pick-up schedule will resume next week.

DRAYTON VALLEY LANDFILL
There will be no tipping fees on residential waste only for all residents through Wednesday, May 24. The landfill will operate at normal business hours (https://www.draytonvalley.ca/landfill/).

BRAZEAU COUNTY TRANSFER STATIONS
All sites will resume normal operating hours (https://www.brazeau.ab.ca/database/files/library/Landfill_Hours.pdf) however the Buck Creek and Violet Grove transfer stations will remain closed until further notice

BE SAFE
- Throw out any food that has spoiled or you suspect has spoiled
- Do not mix bleach with other cleaning chemicals

Nice Chris!

💥💥💥WELCOME BACK!!!💥💥💥

10% OFF!!! ❤️❤️❤️

We're still getting ready for reopening, but we can't wait to see you!!! We have a BIG load of fresh groceries coming tomorrow morning, so we'll be reopening to serve you at 12pm on Wednesday May 17th.

We'd like to extend a 10% discount on all transactions for Wednesday and Thursday to help out and welcome everyone back.

We love our team, we love our customers and we love our community! ❤️❤️

Shale Medical Clinic - eBooking

This includes all businesses!

As of 2:00 p.m., May 16, 2023, the evacuation order for the Town of Drayton Valley and parts of Brazeau County was partially lifted and staggered community re-entry can now occur safely.

As of 2:00 pm those with even house number addresses are able to return to the evacuated areas. At 4:00 p.m., those with odd house number addresses will be allowed to return to the community. For residents of Brazeau County, the Buck Creek fire is still impacting properties and those areas of fire activity noted in red on the map will remain under an evacuation order.

BEFORE you come back to the community, please ensure you do the following as resources as supplies may be limited:
- Fill up your vehicles with fuel
- Pick up a few days worth of groceries

This staggered entry approach is to reduce the traffic on the highways and allow for a safe re-entry of our residents to the community.

Please refer to the map for details on remaining evacuation order area, noted in red, and road closure locations to keep the area secure. Residents whose properties are located within the revised evacuation red zone are not able to return home at this time.
As firefighting operations continue for at least the remainder of the week, smaller areas in the red evacuation zone may re-open systematically as fire crews reach extinguishment objectives to make returning to those areas safe.

For those who are able to return to their homes in the Town of Drayton Valley and surrounding area, please use the following routes:
1. Arriving from the West: travel east on Highway 620
2. Arriving from the North: travel south on Highway 22
3. Arriving from the East: travel west on Highway 39
4. Arriving from the South: travel north use Highway 22
Evacuation orders were lifted today as the Buck Creek Wildfire is considered ‘being held’, which means the wildfire is not likely to spread beyond predetermined boundaries under prevailing conditions. At this point, fire crews will finish establishing control lines working inwards to the burned area, conduct fuel management activities and mop-up (extinguishing a fire) in close proximity to residential structures.

Firefighting work will continue on the Buck Creek Wildfire for at least the remainder of this week, over the coming long weekend and likely beyond that point. These efforts are to maintain fire containment guards and to address priority hotspots surrounding residential dwellings.

Fire, smoke, trees burning at the roots and ‘torching’ or ‘candling’ to their tops is to expected within the many ‘green islands’ within the fire burn path or what is known as the ‘black’ area. Fire activity in the area will last for some time to come until soaking rains occur or other natural extinguishment happens. Residents should expect fire activity and smoke and report fires within the Buck Creek Wildfire area if they are near a dwelling or have potential to spread to any values.

Thanks to the work of many utility service providers, critical infrastructure repairs were completed and there are plans in place to support emergency response during community re-entry.
The Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre will be open at 0730 May 17 and EMS services remain available in the community.
Those with a medical conditions, concerns or who anticipate a need for the emergency department may choose to delay their return until full hospital services resume.

Shale Medical Clinic will be taking walk-in appointments as of today, May 16, 2023 starting at 2:00 p.m.

The hard work and dedication of our emergency personnel and first responders have made this re-entry possible earlier than initially anticipated.

To prevent traffic congestion and collisions, residents are asked to obey all traffic laws and posted signage upon entering the community. Do not slow down or stop on the roads to observe burned areas and to please use caution as fire and utility crews will be working in the area.

A detailed COMMUNITY RE-ENTRY INFORMATION BOOKLET is available at the following locations:
• Brazeau County Office
• Town of Drayton Valley Civic Centre
We strongly encourage everyone returning to read the COMMUNITY RE-ENTRY INFORMATION BOOKLEThttps://www.draytonvalley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Re-Entry-Booklet_final.pdf
https://www.brazeau.ab.ca/fire
before returning to the area or upon returning to their homes or businesses with answers to many frequently asked questions is also available.

Residents are asked to use the checklist as they prepare to come home. Ensure your vehicle is fueled and have supplies to last a few days, as your local stores may not be fully staffed or stocked yet.
For residents with medical conditions, the air quality monitoring station in Drayton Valley indicates that the risk from smoke is currently moderate to high. Those with respiratory concerns may want to delay returning.

This has been a difficult time for our residents and businesses. Mental health support is available by calling 1-877-303-2642.

"I’m so happy to finally welcome our community home,” said Town of Drayton Valley Mayor, Nancy Dodds. “This has been a very trying time, but I have been touched by the optimism, generosity and compassion of our residents.”

“This has been a tough go for everyone involved and an unprecedented event for our community,” said Brazeau County Reeve, Bart Guyon. “I’m happy that we’re at a place where most folks can come back and get on with their lives.”

The Town of Drayton Valley and Brazeau County express their sincere gratitude to all the emergency responders, incident management personnel, staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to support their communities during this challenging time.
-

As of 2:00 p.m., May 16, 2023, the evacuation order for the Town of Drayton Valley and parts of Brazeau County was partially lifted and staggered community re-entry can now occur safely.

As of 2:00 pm those with even house number addresses are able to return to the evacuated areas. At 4:00 p.m., those with odd house number addresses will be allowed to return to the community. For residents of Brazeau County, the Buck Creek fire is still impacting properties and those areas of fire activity noted in red on the map will remain under an evacuation order.

BEFORE you come back to the community, please ensure you do the following as resources as supplies may be limited:
- Fill up your vehicles with fuel
- Pick up a few days worth of groceries

This staggered entry approach is to reduce the traffic on the highways and allow for a safe re-entry of our residents to the community.

Please refer to the map for details on remaining evacuation order area, noted in red, and road closure locations to keep the area secure. Residents whose properties are located within the revised evacuation red zone are not able to return home at this time.
As firefighting operations continue for at least the remainder of the week, smaller areas in the red evacuation zone may re-open systematically as fire crews reach extinguishment objectives to make returning to those areas safe.

For those who are able to return to their homes in the Town of Drayton Valley and surrounding area, please use the following routes:
1. Arriving from the West: travel east on Highway 620
2. Arriving from the North: travel south on Highway 22
3. Arriving from the East: travel west on Highway 39
4. Arriving from the South: travel north use Highway 22
Evacuation orders were lifted today as the Buck Creek Wildfire is considered ‘being held’, which means the wildfire is not likely to spread beyond predetermined boundaries under prevailing conditions. At this point, fire crews will finish establishing control lines working inwards to the burned area, conduct fuel management activities and mop-up (extinguishing a fire) in close proximity to residential structures.

Firefighting work will continue on the Buck Creek Wildfire for at least the remainder of this week, over the coming long weekend and likely beyond that point. These efforts are to maintain fire containment guards and to address priority hotspots surrounding residential dwellings.

Fire, smoke, trees burning at the roots and ‘torching’ or ‘candling’ to their tops is to expected within the many ‘green islands’ within the fire burn path or what is known as the ‘black’ area. Fire activity in the area will last for some time to come until soaking rains occur or other natural extinguishment happens. Residents should expect fire activity and smoke and report fires within the Buck Creek Wildfire area if they are near a dwelling or have potential to spread to any values.

Thanks to the work of many utility service providers, critical infrastructure repairs were completed and there are plans in place to support emergency response during community re-entry.
The Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre will be open at 0730 May 17 and EMS services remain available in the community.
Those with a medical conditions, concerns or who anticipate a need for the emergency department may choose to delay their return until full hospital services resume.

Shale Medical Clinic will be taking walk-in appointments as of today, May 16, 2023 starting at 2:00 p.m.

The hard work and dedication of our emergency personnel and first responders have made this re-entry possible earlier than initially anticipated.

To prevent traffic congestion and collisions, residents are asked to obey all traffic laws and posted signage upon entering the community. Do not slow down or stop on the roads to observe burned areas and to please use caution as fire and utility crews will be working in the area.

A detailed COMMUNITY RE-ENTRY INFORMATION BOOKLET is available at the following locations:
• Brazeau County Office
• Town of Drayton Valley Civic Centre
We strongly encourage everyone returning to read the COMMUNITY RE-ENTRY INFORMATION BOOKLEThttps://www.draytonvalley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Re-Entry-Booklet_final.pdf
https://www.brazeau.ab.ca/fire
before returning to the area or upon returning to their homes or businesses with answers to many frequently asked questions is also available.

Residents are asked to use the checklist as they prepare to come home. Ensure your vehicle is fueled and have supplies to last a few days, as your local stores may not be fully staffed or stocked yet.
For residents with medical conditions, the air quality monitoring station in Drayton Valley indicates that the risk from smoke is currently moderate to high. Those with respiratory concerns may want to delay returning.

This has been a difficult time for our residents and businesses. Mental health support is available by calling 1-877-303-2642.

"I’m so happy to finally welcome our community home,” said Town of Drayton Valley Mayor, Nancy Dodds. “This has been a very trying time, but I have been touched by the optimism, generosity and compassion of our residents.”

“This has been a tough go for everyone involved and an unprecedented event for our community,” said Brazeau County Reeve, Bart Guyon. “I’m happy that we’re at a place where most folks can come back and get on with their lives.”

The Town of Drayton Valley and Brazeau County express their sincere gratitude to all the emergency responders, incident management personnel, staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to support their communities during this challenging time.
-

Some helpful information from our Mayor Nancy Dodds regarding re-entry!

Fire operations will proceed as they did yesterday, with fire fighters moving toward the interior of the burn area as they extinguish hotspots using crews on the ground and support from the air. Fire, smoke, trees burning at the roots and ‘torching’ or ‘candling’ to their tops is expected within the many ‘green islands’ within the fire burn path or what is known as the ‘black’ area.
More than 250 essential workers have been identified and brought back into the community to prepare for re-entry to our residents. Work with utility providers continues throughout the day to restore critical infrastructure and services.
The wind has shifted and brought smoke from other fires into the air, resulting in a 10+ (very high risk) rating on the air quality scale. Anyone with respiratory conditions should avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion. All others should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

Despite adverse fire fighting weather and conditions, great progress was made getting us closer to full containment on the fire guard.
Select workers for critical infrastructure such as hospital, power and gas utilities and retail services including grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies have been allowed entry into the evacuation area today under a shelter in place order to re-establish services in preparation for when it is safe to lift the evacuation order.
Plans are underway to re-open the community to the general public as soon as it is safe to do so.
We expect to have more information tomorrow morning, stay tuned to our social media channels.
A state of local emergency remains in effect for both the Town of Drayton Valley and Brazeau County.

Please have a look at the amazing videos and photos captured by the 3rd Canadian Division / 3e Division du Canada of the Drayton Valley-Brazeau area wildfires.