Kashechewan First Nation, situated on the James Bay coast in northern Ontario, is preparing to evacuate its residents due to the deteriorating condition of its water treatment system. Chief Hosea Wesley declared a state of local emergency on Sunday for the Cree First Nation, which is home to approximately 2,300 people.
In a press release, Chief Wesley expressed concern over the uncertainty of when normal water production would resume, emphasizing that the safety of the community members is the top priority. Efforts are underway to stabilize the situation and ensure access to safe drinking water.
Tyson Wesley, the executive director of Kashechewan, informed CBC News that technicians from Northern Waterworks have arrived in the remote community to assist in repairing the water treatment plant. However, Wesley mentioned that obtaining the necessary repair parts has been challenging, compounded by multiple issues with the aging plant.
The water treatment plant encountered problems in early December when the pumps failed, leading to the inability to mix chemicals for water treatment. Subsequently, the plant’s raw sewage intake also started malfunctioning later that month, creating a cascade of issues.
Residents have been relying on bottled water, with a new shipment scheduled to arrive by air on Tuesday. For daily tasks like washing dishes and flushing toilets, residents have resorted to collecting water from the Albany River or melting snow for their needs.
Chief Wesley highlighted the community’s resilience in facing the water crisis, reminiscent of past times when running water was scarce. He also noted that an influenza outbreak has worsened due to the water shortage, emphasizing the challenges faced by households without proper sanitation facilities.
Addressing the community on Monday, Wesley mentioned that Kashechewan had received $1.7 million from Indigenous Services Canada in March to upgrade the water treatment plant. However, long-term fixes might be delayed due to plans to relocate the flood-prone community to a site 30 kilometers north. The timeline for this relocation, initially set for completion by 2029 under the previous government, is now uncertain with the new administration led by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The community continues to grapple with the pressing issue of water access, balancing short-term solutions with the long-term goal of moving to a safer location.