If there’s one thing that people don’t understand about operating this page, it’s how overwhelming it can be, most of the time.
Every day, I’m approached by different people within our communities to do extra things that aren’t seen, helping out where I can and being supportive along the way.
This is something that I’ve done for the better part of 4-plus years, since this page was formed and it’s the most rewarding part.
Posting daily is only a fraction of the work I do. What happens behind the scenes isn’t something I regularly come out and share very often.
I’ve had the chance to build many relationships by promoting local businesses, educating residents, sharing insights and much more over the years.
While it can be time-consuming and restraining, I always make the effort to be available and help with information, when and where I can, while conducting myself in a manner that is appropriate.
Over the summer, I’ve gained a little more appreciation for this “behind the scenes work” that many don’t see.
These relationships you make are long-lasting, valuable and meaningful.
While I was out doing coverage on the West Dalhousie Wildfire, I had the pleasure of meeting multiple people in the Trout Lake area.
On this particular day, things were really developing. Evacuation notices were not officially announced for Trout Lake and surrounding communities, but they were coming.
The fire was burning fast due to extreme fire conditions threatening not only West Dalhousie but many other locations in its path.
I scurried to meet Richard Bennett after getting a message and photo from his cottage along the lake. He ultimately welcomed me onto his property with no questions asked.
Cottage owner Richard Bennett stands along the shoreline at Trout Lake on August 24th, as smoke billows from West Dalhousie Wildfire.
The smoke was unbelievable from this area and was the closest location to go for anyone who was chasing wildfire coverage, while staying out of any evacuation zone.
The smoke billowed a dark cast over the sky, making the water look almost purple in colour.
Bennett, along with many of his neighbours, were already slowly packing their things, incase evacuation notices were made.
Along my travels in the area, I met a very humble couple who lives on Trout Lake, calling this place their home.
At the time, there was a group playing cards at their table, unknown of the fire conditions that were truly unfolding on that very day of August 24th.
I’ll keep it short, but they welcomed me into their home, which resulted in me sharing some insightful information that I don’t typically share on my page.
It was an emotional time, watching the tune change after I explained what was unfolding. I was truly in the middle of what could potentially be the last time they would call this place their home.
Despite all that was going on, I was given a keep sake by the couple along Trout Lake.
It was a carved Christmas tree, handcrafted in the very shop on the property and made by Jim.
Hand carved Christmas tree sits in the window of Ann & Jim’s resident on August 24th as smoke over powers the sky in Trout Lake.
Friday, I went back, visiting Richard and learning about all the different paintings his late father made, while observing how low the water has dropped since September at Trout Lake.
I also reconnected with the humble couple, Ann and Jim. We all enjoyed a nice afternoon, under less stressful times, having coffee, sharing our experiences on that very day in their very home we were unsure they would return too.
Believe it or not, I even tried pumpkin squares for the first time, which were truly delicious.
We are all blessed that many are back home, trying to get back to some normalcy, but my heart is still with those who are still picking up the pieces.
Even though the baseline of the West Dalhousie Wildfire is over, it’s not over for the community.
While visiting Trout Lake on Friday, I also returned to West Dalhousie Road for the first time since the evacuation on August 14th.
Since the early stages of the wildfire, I kept in contact quite often with one particular resident who was evacuated on West Dalhousie Road.
They, like many others, left their homes for over a month, having to continuously flip-flop locations in order to have a roof over their head.
Thanks to the power of social media, we stayed in touch, communicating regularly on the latest updates on the fire and its developments.
Sindy and I met for the first time yesterday, at their home on West Dalhousie Road. While sharing some of the losses on their property, there was one thing that stood out the most.
West Dalhousie Road resident, Sindy Schofield, stands next to the tree that she once towered over, the tree is now taller than her. Badly charred from the Wildfire in West Dalhousie.
One particular tree she became attached to when she first moved to the community that grew in her backyard, only a foot tall at the time. The tree now stands taller than her and was badly burned but still standing during the wildfire.
Even though many have returned and many still can’t, I have a pretty good understanding of what they’re going through like many others.
It’s unbelievable to see the aftermath, but more importantly, the amount of homes that were saved by the heroic efforts by our volunteer firefighters.
Many residents lost their homes and are unable to return. Their homes fell victim to the fire that tore through the community, while others still work to clean up properties that suffered damage.
Being forced to evacuate has resulted in fridges having to be thrown out. Their replacements are on the way but still haven’t arrived even three weeks later.
Due to drought conditions, water levels in wells are dry. Filling them isn’t a possibility either, as the water will evaporate into the ground.
Water levels have lowered significantly since Richard placed this stick as a reference in September at Trout Lake, taken on October 10th.
It’s a lot to process, but seeing the area and knowing they have to bear witness to it every day is even harder to process.
This could happen to any of our communities across our beautiful province as our climate and environment are changing.
I’m forever grateful for all of my connections over the years, continued relationships and being so involved in our surrounding communities.
This is only a small snapshot of some of the “behind the scenes” work that I do on a daily basis and keeping myself connected.
Our continued thoughts go out to all those in West Dalhousie and surrounding areas impacted by our wildfires this 2025 season.
If you wish to donate to help folks who are faced with devastation, you can send an e-transfer to westdalhall@gmail.com
The community hall is a registered charity, and therefore, capable of issuing income tax-deductible receipts.
Your support and continued support has meant so much to the area who has suffered so much.
More beautiful times along the shore at Trout Lake with a clear sky and fall colours on Friday, October 10th.
Adrian J.
