By Canadian Press

Kashechewan residents fearing COVID-19 head to camps to avoid flood waters

May 6, 2020 | 10:50 AM

OTTAWA — Residents of a Northern Ontario First Nation threatened by spring flood waters are facing more complex and some fear-inducing options for escape this year, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The almost 2,000 residents of Kashechewan First Nation have had to flee their community every year since 2012 due to flooding, and have been evacuated to larger centres such as Timmins and Thunder Bay.

But this year, many residents are now fearful of this option — worried about catching the novel coronavirus or bringing it back into their community.

That’s why about 1,200 people have instead decided to wait out the flood season on the land, with some setting up camps in their traditional territories and others planning to camp in an area known as Site 5, about 30 kilometres from the First Nation, where the community is eventually supposed to be moved.

About 800 residents are staying put, hoping the waters don’t rise too high this year and force them to leave. 

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Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says he recognizes the flood plan for Kashechewan this year is more complex due to COVID-19, but says plans reflect the desires of the residents and he stressed that those who have chosen to stay in the community will be evacuated to nearby towns and cities if flooding occurs.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 6, 2020.

The Canadian Press