The Alberta government and the fire-ravaged Town of Slave Lake have contracted a supplier to acquire, install and manage up to 350 modular homes for families who lost their homes to a devastating wildfire in late May.

Municipal Affairs Minister Hector Goudreau said the government is committed to working with local leaders to increase the supply of housing in the short term and long term for the resource town northwest of Edmonton.

The town has been divided into four zones according to how badly it was damaged, Slave Lake Mayor Karina Pillay-Kinnee told a June 20 public meeting. She said construction would begin shortly in the least-damaged parts of town.

The meeting followed a tour of the town by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who met with officials, firefighters and delighted local residents.

It will be at least three and perhaps as many as six months before people in the completely devastated neighbourhoods can start rebuilding.

It's estimated about half of the community was destroyed when wind-driven wildfires blazed through the town, burning down more than a third of the homes, along with the town hall, government centre and library.

Officials say 374 properties were destroyed and 52 others damaged in the fire. People had little warning and many residents escaped with just the clothes on their backs.

Rental rates for the temporary modular accommodations will range from $1,000 per month for a two-bedroom home to $1,250 per month for a four-bedroom unit.

To donate to the Slave Lake rebuild, visit www.rebuildslavelake.com.

from Western Investor August 2011