Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation estimates that starting on March 3, they will move one house every three days into their Denare Beach community. (Image Credit: Tina Pelletier/Facebook)

By Susan McNeil

2025 Wildfires

24 new homes on the way for PBCN evacuees from Denare Beach  

Feb 27, 2026 | 1:43 PM

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) said on Friday that the first of 24 new homes for their members will be moved in on March 3.  

“A hotel is not a good place to live long term,” said Councillor Clayton Sewap. “Our people have been patient, and we understand the frustration. That’s why we worked hard to get these homes built and back to the community as soon as possible.” 

Despite some delays with the construction, band leadership said the plan now is to move in one home every three days following the early March kickoff. If more transport can be arranged, the timeline could move even faster.  

Once the prebuilt homes are placed in their location, it takes another three weeks of finishing work before the house will be ready for occupancy. That includes insulating and drywalling basements, which are not yet finished, and completing electrical and plumbing connections.  

The displaced community members have been living in hotels since June 2025 when the Wolf Wildfire destroyed their community and the neighbouring village.  

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Vice Chief Justin Halcrow described the construction timeline as significant, noting that completing 24 housing units within a year of the wildfire event is uncommon. 

“It’s Imperative that we get these houses moving to the community, so they can have a place to call their own,” said Vice Chief Halcrow.  

 “It took a great deal of coordination and hard work from our housing director, council members and project partners from Country Co-op to helping move this forward at this speed.”

PBCN said a community gathering will be planned once all families have returned home.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com