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'Considering the circumstances ... this is best-case scenario,' Cole Cusitar said.
By Tyler Marr, battlefordsNOW
Clean up continues in Meadow Lake Provincial Park after two tornadoes snapped trees and caused severe damage over the Canada Day long weekend.
Park Manager Trevor Finlay said as of Tuesday afternoon, he estimated about 90 per cent of boats, campers and vehicles had been removed from Murray Doell Campground. As some visitors came from far away, he anticipates the remaining property will be gone by the weekend.
Hundreds were evacuated from the campground, which remains closed indefinitely, after the storm. The Saskatchewan Health Authority said only three people were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Finlay said a slow, methodical approach is being taken during the clean up so as not to cause further damage and minimize risk from hazards like propane tanks.
Crews will examine park property and inspect other infrastructure, like the service centre and water plant, to assess damage and salvage what they can.
Major repairs will need to be done on the campground’s electrical network, he said, as several pedestals were destroyed.
Meadow Lake Provincial Park’s manager says about 90 per cent of trailers, vehicles and boats impacted by the storm have been removed. (submitted photo/Karen de Orla)
He said a significant salvage operation will take place to remove the downed trees and experts will decide what can be used for firewood or pulp.
Finlay started in his role in December but moved into parks from wildfire management. The situation, he said, is not foreign.
“I spent a month in Fort McMurray when that fire was going and dealt with fires around the province,” he said. “This is not unfamiliar to me, other than it was such a quick event that created such damage very, very quickly.”
The entire response from surrounding communities and other campers has been overwhelming, Finlay said.
The storm struck around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday evening and by the time he arrived closer to 5 p.m., Finlay said dozens of people were already there ready to help. He applauded the assistance from Goodsoil, Dorintosh, Pierceland, Meadow Lake and Cold Lake.
“It has been incredible,” he said. “The campers who couldn’t spend the night after being evacuated they were put up … to local restaurants bringing in food for people who are working here.”
He said a better timeline of what comes next will be put together after a more permanent assessment takes place in the coming days and weeks.