SaskTel restores some service for Spiritwood, many still without connectivity

There’s good news for those in the town of Spiritwood — some cellular service has been restored.

SaskTel told 650 CKOM that some of the services within the town have been restored, thanks to some quick work by emergency crews.

A fire destroyed the town’s SaskTel building. Crews still don’t know what started the blaze.

According to a SaskAlert posted Monday at 7:38 a.m., communities without landline, internet and cellular services include Mildred, Chitek Lake, Leoville, Shell Lake, Witchekan Lake, Rabbit Lake and Belbutte.

These communities are still without 911 services as well. If you are in need of assistance, you will need to drive to your local RCMP detachment.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will be keeping the Spiritwood and District Health Complex open for emergency care during the disruption.

According to an SHA release Sunday evening, those experiencing a medical emergency can seek assistance at the Spiritwood Collaborative Emergency Centre, from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents can also find care at Spiritwood Ambulance Care, which will be staffed by medical first responders, 24 hours for the duration of the outage.

If medical services aren’t available at the locations, residents can head to the RCMP detachment in Spiritwood.

The SHA noted those who access health services in Spiritwood and Leoville that require phone or internet may be temporarily disrupted. This includes online or by phone medical appointments, or booking of new home care and appointments.

Spiritwood is located around 120 kilometres west of Prince Albert and around 110 kilometres northeast of North Battleford.