Day Seven - William & Catherine's Royal Tour of Canada - Slave Lake, Alberta

Source: British Monarchy Flickr

In a brief, unscheduled stop on their royal tour, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge departed the North West Territories for a stop in Slave Lake, Alberta.

The town, about 280 kilometres north of Edmonton, had been devastated by wildfire on May 15th. The fire destroyed 40% of the town of Slave Lake, making it the second most expensive insured disaster in Canadian history. Damage is estimated at $700 million.

7,000 residents were evacuated with little more than the clothes on their backs. William and Catherine's visit not only boosted morale for the town but highlighted the devastation, bringing the rebuilding efforts of the community back into the public eye.

Source: British Monarchy Flickr

The couple toured the devastation, meeting privately with dignitaries, rescue workers and affected citizens. Outside William and Catherine went on an informal walkabout, delighting those who had been waiting, before departing on the last stop of their tour in Calgary, Alberta.

© Marilyn Braun 2011

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