Hello everyone,
This weekend, August 16th – 18th, we are celebrating the opening of the Bonavista Biennale and everyone’s safety is at the top of our minds.
2025 is shaping up to be one of the worst fire seasons on record according to Natural Resources Canada, with approximately twice as many wildfires than average happening so far. There are multiple fires in Central and Eastern Ktaqmkuk, accompanied by heat warnings and low water levels, with water usage restrictions in place around the island including Bonavista.
Out of concern for the ecosystem of the Bonavista Peninsula, the safety of its residents, and the island at large, we’ve put together some suggestions and information to inform you if you decide to travel through areas impacted by forest fires or in proximity to them. We are in a volatile situation and events such as ours have the potential to further strain resources that are already spreading thin, such as water supply.
- If you’re travelling to the Bonavista Peninsula, be advised that you will be travelling through multiple areas with active and ongoing forest fires.
- Be aware of air quality and smoke conditions. Union House Arts has masks on hand that can be taken for use in case of poor air quality.
- Be aware of evolving weather. Forest fires can change in a moment in response to changes in the weather and atmosphere. As well, there are ongoing heat warnings: be prepared for extreme heat.
- There are places around the peninsula with air conditioning that can act as cooling stations, including Union House Arts. If need be, use these sites as shelter to cool down from shelter to avoid heat stroke or exhaustion.
- Keep a go-bag packed: be prepared to leave unexpectedly and know that there is one access highway on the Peninsula.
- Go-bags should contain valid ID and important documents, medication, food, water, clothing, personal electronics and pet supplies. Prioritize your most essential items.
- There is a current water shortage on the Bonavista Peninsula: Water levels are low so be prepared to adjust your water-based activities. Currently, non-essential water use is restricted. This includes outdoor activities such as filling pools, washing cars and water sprinklers.
- Bring your own drinking water and food and limit your local water consumption.
- Reduce the amount of running water you are using.
- Be aware of response crews: their travel, fuel access, water, and food requirements are important during a natural disaster. Make transportation as easy as possible for them by respecting them while driving – this can save lives.
- Be aware that the peninsula could be an evacuation zone for residents of the Avalon Peninsula, Central and other areas affected by forest fires. This may result in spaces across the peninsula becoming more crowded, so make sure to pay extra attention to respect the environment of the area.
- Leave outdoor sites as you found them and do not litter or participate in activities that may result in flames, combustion, or otherwise increased temperature. This includes the usage of off-road vehicles such as ATVs or other machinery, careless disposal of cigarette butts, grilling with charcoal, bonfires, or ignition of fireworks.
- Be kind and courteous, and ready to cancel or modify your plans. Be empathetic to those displaced as a result of fires in the area.
- Minimize the impact your travels might have on the environment and essential services of the Bonavista Peninsula.
As organizations that prioritize sustainable site-based art and community practices, we have a responsibility to protect and nurture the environment we inhabit and support the people and animals who live here. The environmental threats currently posed toward Ktaqmkuk and its inhabitants are of utmost importance, and we will do whatever we can do to continue assessing the situation.
More information on the status of wildfires in the area can be monitored through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Alerts portal at gov.nl.ca/alerts, Environment Canada, and the Town of Bonavista or other municipal pages. Any updates regarding the status of the Biennale and its sites will be posted on its social media pages and website.
People affected by evacuation orders who have not yet registered with the Canadian Red Cross are encouraged to do so by registering online at redcross.ca, or by calling 1-800-863-6582 between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Newfoundland Daylight Time.
Stay safe,
The staff of Bonavista Biennale and Union House Arts