Frustrations are rising in a remote First Nation community in northern Ontario as authorities are making arrangements to evacuate residents due to a water crisis. The Kashechewan First Nation Chief declared a state of local emergency because their water treatment plant was in disrepair. The community, consisting of approximately 2,300 people along James Bay Coast, is struggling to obtain enough bottled water.
Issues began in early December when the water treatment plant’s pumps failed, preventing the proper treatment of drinking water. Subsequently, the wastewater treatment plant also encountered failures. The community leaders have requested military assistance for a full-scale evacuation to cities in northeastern Ontario, such as Timmins and Kapuskasing.
Chartered flights have been arranged to move vulnerable individuals to these cities, with plans still in progress for evacuating the rest of the community. The authorities have enlisted a provincial vendor to manage the evacuation process.
Tyson Wesley, the Executive Director of Kashechewan First Nation, expressed dissatisfaction with the response to their dire situation, emphasizing the need for clean water for all residents. Timmins Mayor confirmed the acceptance of evacuees, particularly those with medical needs, in the city.
Efforts are underway to repair the water treatment plant, with workers already on-site addressing the issues. The community faces annual evacuations due to flooding risks during the spring thaw. Discussions about relocating the First Nation to a safer area have been ongoing for years, with a plan to complete the move by 2029. However, uncertainties arise with the change in government leadership.
Indigenous Services Canada has allocated funds for planning studies to support the community’s relocation. The community’s focus remains on the long-term solutions, including the potential move to a new site before investing in a new water treatment plant.