Our thoughts are with the residents of Fort McMurray during this devastating time.
In an effort to help, the University of Alberta has taken an inventory of our residence space availability and provided that information to the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), the provincial body that leads the co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation of all organizations involved in responding to disasters and emergencies.
President David H. Turpin has also been in direct contact with Keyano College to make sure they are aware that we can assist them if required, and with government to let them know they have our full support.
As of 10:15 a.m. today, we have not been informed by AEMA that we will be an official Evacuee Reception and Registration Centre or Shelter, but our Crisis Management Team is preparing for this request and our Reception Centre Team is on standby.
At this time, the official Evacuee Reception Centre in Edmonton is located at the Edmonton EXPO Centre (7515 118 Ave. NW).
The university continues to discuss how we can support Fort McMurray and its residents. We will continue to monitor the situation and work in co-ordination with AEMA.
To get further updates, find out how to help and stay current on the situation in the Wood Buffalo region, please see our information hub.