Soldiers affected by the deadly training incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright are making their way to Edmonton.
The Town of Wainwright called on residents to gather Wednesday morning with flags, signs and messages of support for the soldiers and their families. The group is expected to travel along Highway 41 before turning west onto Highway 14.
Community mourns loss of four soldiers
Wainwright residents are mourning the four Canadian Armed Forces members killed in the training incident, as well as the dozens of others injured.
Nancy, who has lived in the community since 1980, said the loss has weighed heavily on residents.
“My heart’s broken,” she said. “It’s a horrific tragedy, and I just felt the need to show my support.”
She said flowers left in tribute offered a visible expression of the community’s grief. With the military playing a central role in local life, she said the incident had affected residents across Wainwright.
“It’s broken the hearts of everybody here.”
Nancy said the response reflected the close-knit nature of the community, where residents rally around one another in difficult times.
“Everybody just bands together, whether it’s hockey, or whether it’s senior citizens, or it doesn’t matter,” she said. “Wainwright’s that kind of town.”
Municipal leaders offer condolences and recognize emergency response
Mike Wildeboer, reeve of the Municipal District of Wainwright, extended condolences to the families of the four soldiers killed: Pte. Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver, B.C.; Pte. Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Sask.; Pte. Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C.; and Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton.
“Our thoughts are also with the many individuals who are injured, with all of those affected by this heartbreaking event,” Wildeboer said.
He said the close relationship between Wainwright and the military base meant the tragedy was being felt throughout the broader community.
Wildeboer also acknowledged those who helped manage the emergency, including first responders, medical teams, hospital workers, firefighters and emergency command centre personnel.
He said municipal district and town employees began organizing the emergency command centre soon after the first reports arrived Saturday afternoon. According to Wildeboer, staff were at the site between about 4 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. preparing for the response.
Lt.-Col. Dustin MacLeod also visited the centre to help co-ordinate resources and identify operational needs, Wildeboer said.
Municipal public works crews supplied five graders and a bulldozer to support the response, he said. Wildeboer also credited Fire Chief Aime Smyl and Director of Emergency Management Jonathan Koroluk for their work.
“I just can’t speak highly enough about the professionalism that everybody carried that night.”
Wildeboer praised Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh for representing the community and surrounding region. He also highlighted the co-operation among the municipal district, town, military base and local emergency services.
Town grateful for support from across Canada and around the world
The Town of Wainwright said messages of support had arrived from Canadians and people around the world following the incident at CFB Wainwright.
In an online statement, town officials thanked those who had offered condolences and encouragement. They also recognized the organizations and individuals who assisted during the emergency, including military personnel, first responders, health-care workers, community groups and volunteers.
Alberta premier honours fallen soldiers and pledges support for injured
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith paid tribute Tuesday to the four Canadian Armed Forces members killed in the training incident at CFB Wainwright.
Speaking ahead of her address on the provincial referendum, Smith said she had spoken with Prime Minister Mark Carney and received an update indicating that 27 injured soldiers remained in hospital.
She said Alberta would support the injured members and their families as they navigate treatment and recovery.
Smith also thanked emergency responders and health-care professionals for treating those hurt in the incident. She asked Albertans to remember the fallen soldiers, the injured and their loved ones in the weeks and months ahead.
