Edmonton Expo Centre creates temporary dog park for N.W.T. wildfire evacuees
Posted August 23, 2023 3:09 pm.
Last Updated August 26, 2023 9:31 am.
The City of Edmonton has opened a dog park outside of the Expo Centre for evacuees looking to bring their furry friends out for fresh air.
“We’re always trying to improve the quality of life for any evacuees who come here. They have gone through a lot of stress and trauma,” said Sean Clovechok, incident commander with the Edmonton Expo Centre.
As of Wednesday, the Edmonton Expo Centre has registered over 458 pets that were brought to the city during the evacuation of the Northwest Territories. The pop-up dog park, which allows people to exercise their pets, is exclusive to those who have been evacuated.
Edmonton Expo Centre dog park. (Photo Credit: Adam Ziccarelli, CityNews)
“What can we do to improve it. Of course our staff talk with evacuees and ask them if there is anything we can help them out with,” said Clovechok. “So, we’re just always listening and communicating and always coming up with a new way to make their day better.”
Most evacuees have moved to hotels, but the Expo Centre is providing a doggy daycare for around 50 pets for those seeking help. The goal for the park is to reduce the stress for both owners and their pets.
“Simply to help reduce stress for evacuees and their animals, to make their stay more enjoyable,” added Clovechok. “They’ve been through a lot and anything we can do to improve their quality of life, we try to.”
If the number of pets continues to increase, the city says it is looking to expand the dog park to ensure there is enough room for all animals.
The dog park will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Access for evacuees in St. Albert and Leduc,
Evacuees who have registered with St. Albert and Leduc and who would like access to amenities from the City of Edmonton can visit the Edmonton Expo Centre.
Those who do will receive a wristband, which will allow them to gain access to food and city recreation centres.
Starting Wednesday, evacuees with wristbands will be able to take Edmonton Transit Services buses and LRTs for free.
A total of 5,233 evacuees have been registered in Edmonton as of Wednesday morning.
