Fact Check: "High Level will not host evacuees this summer due to financial strain."
What We Know
High Level, a town in Alberta, Canada, has announced that it will not be hosting evacuees this summer due to financial constraints and staffing issues. According to a report by The Globe and Mail, the decision was made public in late May 2025, with Mayor Crystal McAteer stating that the town's limited resources were stretched too thin. Over the past six summers, High Level has converted its arena into an evacuation center, but the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires have made it challenging for the town to manage these responsibilities effectively.
In 2024, High Level incurred costs of approximately $1.4 million to host evacuees, which represented more than 10% of its budget. The town is still awaiting reimbursement from higher levels of government for these expenses, which has contributed to its decision not to reopen the evacuation center this year. McAteer emphasized that the town cannot afford the financial burden associated with hosting evacuees, especially as wildfires become more frequent and severe (The Globe and Mail).
Analysis
The claim that High Level will not host evacuees this summer due to financial strain is supported by credible sources. The report from The Globe and Mail provides direct statements from the mayor and details about the town's financial difficulties, making it a reliable source. The article outlines the historical context of High Level's role in hosting evacuees and the increasing challenges faced by municipalities in managing such responsibilities.
Additionally, the broader context of wildfires in Canada supports the claim. Reports indicate that the wildfire situation in Western Canada is expected to be challenging this summer, with over 30,000 people already evacuated from their homes due to ongoing fires (New York Times). This situation places additional pressure on towns like High Level, which have previously stepped in to assist evacuees.
However, it is important to note that while the financial strain is a significant factor, the decision also reflects broader systemic issues regarding how municipalities are reimbursed for hosting evacuees. The current reimbursement policies are described as a "patchwork," which complicates the financial recovery for towns like High Level (The Globe and Mail). This indicates that while financial strain is a primary reason for the decision, it is also part of a larger issue regarding municipal support during emergencies.
Conclusion
The claim that "High Level will not host evacuees this summer due to financial strain" is True. The decision is based on the town's financial difficulties and the increasing demands placed on its limited resources as wildfires become more frequent and severe. The statements from the mayor and the financial context provided in the reports substantiate this claim.
