Wildfire Update 2024-2025

Division News

Wildfire Update 2024-2025

Posted on July 31

Tags: Division News, Home Page Featured

Updated July 31, 2025

We are closely monitoring wildfire updates. To families impacted by wildfires, our thoughts are with you.

Wildfire Emergency Response Information for Families

Attention Northland School Division (NSD) Families,

Click here to view important information regarding wildfire emergency response planning. You can also view images of the information below.

Active Wildfires Impacting Northland School Communities

Chipewyan Lake (Chipewyan Lake School)

The Municipal District (MD) of Opportunity issued a mandatory evacuation order for the community of Chipewyan Lake due to the threat to the Chip/Alpac road on May 28th. Chipewyan Lake residents were ordered to evacuate to the Lakeview Sports Centre in Wabasca for registration and further instructions.

Visit the MD of Opportunity No. 17 Emergency Management Facebook page for updates https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064688143379.

Letter to Families (July 31, 2025)

Dear Chipewyan Lake School Families,

We want to share an update about learning plans for Chipewyan Lake School students as we prepare for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Municipal District of Opportunity has told us that power to the school is expected to be restored September 1st. This gives very little time to make the building ready for students and staff before school begins on September 2nd. There are also other challenges in the community, such as water and housing, that may take time to resolve.

Because of this, we are planning for classes to take place at Career Pathways School in Wabasca-Desmarais when school begins on September 2nd. The school has two empty classrooms ready to welcome Chipewyan Lake students once again.

Families who prefer to enroll their children at Mistassiniy School or St. Theresa School will receive support to make this move as smooth as possible. If any students are in Chipewyan Lake when school begins on September 2nd, Northland School Division will look at every option to provide learning in the community. This could include online learning, if internet service is available, or paper learning packages with a teacher on site to support the child or children.

As we get closer to September 2nd, we will share information about school bus transportation for students. Many Chipewyan Lake families are currently staying in Wabasca-Desmarais, and we will do our best to make travel to school easier for students.

While we are communicating a temporary option for learning in September, we will be doing everything we can to get Chipewyan Lake School ready and safe for learning once again.

We will continue to provide updates before the new school year begins to keep families informed about the learning plan and next steps.

Sincerely,

Cal Johnson
Superintendent of Schools/CEO
Northland School Division