NWT Community That Previously Assisted Others Now Finds Support in Its Time of Need

Enterprise, a community in the Northwest Territories, has a history of welcoming fire and flood evacuees. Now, after a devastating wildfire, many are hoping to help them in return. The fire destroyed most of the small hamlet, leaving only a dozen houses intact. Enterprise, known as the “gateway to the North,” takes pride in being the first FireSmart community in the Northwest Territories, as part of a national program to prevent wildfire damage.

On August 13, extreme high winds caused the wildfire to spread rapidly, leaving little time for a response. Tammy Neal, a resident of Enterprise, was out of town and couldn’t salvage anything from her home, including the ashes of her deceased son. She described the scene as a horror film and spoke of the distant prospect of rebuilding. However, the tight-knit community of Enterprise, as well as the entire Northwest Territories, with its small population, will support each other through this tragedy.

Bob Horton, a former Yellowknife resident who now resides in Edmonton, is spearheading a rebuilding initiative for Enterprise. As the owner of a small development company, Horton plans to replace at least three homes that are not covered by insurance. He has already secured the support of an electrical contractor in Yellowknife, who volunteered to help despite being evacuated himself. Horton has taken care of all the logistics, including permits and transportation of building materials.

Jaysen Cameron, another contractor in the territory, is also raising funds to assist with the rebuilding efforts. Cameron was helping to restore government housing when the fires destroyed the homes of his Enterprise crew-members. The people of Enterprise have a reputation for opening their doors and providing safe haven to those in need. Now, they need help from others to recover from the devastation.

Enterprise is a close-knit community where everyone knows and supports each other. Residents fight and laugh together like a family, and they come together to help those in need. The community has its heroes, such as Mike Kimble, who stayed behind to fight the fire and protect the town. Despite the losses suffered by residents like Tammy Neal, they remain strong and resilient, holding onto hope and the support of their community.



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