For the last six years, Samaritan’s Purse Canada has journeyed alongside residents of Fort Vermilion, Alberta in their recovery from devastating flooding in 2020.
Samaritan’s Purse Canada journeys with Canadians for years after natural disasters strike. For the last six years, Samaritan’s Purse Canada has journeyed alongside residents of Fort Vermilion, Alberta, in their recovery from devastating flooding in 2020.
The flood began when ice blocks created a blockage in the Peace River that quickly overflowed. Over 450 people were forced to flee their homes, and 150 residences were flooded. We praise God that no one was injured or killed in the flooding. However, many residents didn’t have overland flood insurance or were unable to purchase any because they lived in the floodplain.
Following the floods, our Samaritan’s Purse teams responded to help with mud-outs, home sanitization, and the removal of water-damaged furniture. In the aftermath of this recovery, many residents remained overwhelmed. Many had lost everything, and those with homes in the floodplain faced the risk of another flood causing further damage.
Once the immediate cleanup was completed, our teams shifted to a new recovery phase. Our recovery teams began helping facilitate the relocation of homes off the Peace River floodplain. A total of 46 residences have been moved since the 2020 floods, and another 20 homes are planned to move in the spring of 2026.
“In 2025, we had the honor of assisting an elderly couple in relocating their home at the age of 85,” said community recovery specialist Janet Voth. “The couple was completely overwhelmed with the long and detailed process to conduct the relocation (70+ steps, including moving into temporary housing, setting up their home once relocated, and repairs post-move). Once settled, they expressed heartfelt gratitude, repeatedly affirming that without Samaritan’s Purse, managing this transition would have been impossible.”
This Spring 2026, this couple’s house will be followed up between freeze and thaw over the winter, with exterior work including decks, sidewalks, and landscaping, and continual psychosocial supports. Currently, the flood risk is extremely high in Fort Vermilion, and houses along the river are awaiting relocation, heightening the emotional impact and prompting residents to clear out basements and protect furniture and other personal belongings. The recovery team is prepping mobile homes in case of flooding, while continuing to work alongside Mackenzie County to provide case management to impacted residents in need of support, including doing everything from obtaining permits to offering prayer.
