A new framework agreement commits to relocating Kashechewan to higher ground. It was signed today by the province, federal government and Kashechewan.
According to a statement from Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford, it “commits the parties to work together to develop a community planning and development process that includes necessary steps to relocate the community.”
Located on the shores of the Albany River, Kashechewan residents are annually evacuated during the spring break up as the water levels rise.
This year in Timmins, more than 800 evacuees from the James Bay coast community are being housed at three hotels.
After a state of emergency was declared in the community, the first flight of people fleeing from rising water arrived in the city April 15.
"I hope that the people of Kashechewan — who have been evacuated for several weeks now as a precautionary measure — will soon be able to return home safely, knowing that we hear them and are acting," reads a statement from federal Minister of Indigenous Services Seamus O'Regan's.
A dyke surrounds the community, but Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus said earlier this year it is structurally unsound.
In O’Regan’s statement, he said relocating the community will be a complex, multi-year process.
"While we are moving forward with this work, we have agreed that interim dyke repairs and improved drainage are important to keep the community safe. Funding has been identified for this purpose,” it reads.
The province is supporting the efforts of Kashechewan and the federal government, however Rickford’s statement notes the responsibility is on the upper level of government.
“While the federal government has ultimate responsibility for the relocation, we are proud to play an important role and I was pleased to tell Chief Friday and the federal government that we are committed to fast tracking the provincial actions necessary to support relocation,” said Rickford.
"Ontario will continue to ensure the safety of community members by working with community leaders and host communities to safely evacuate the people of Kashechewan during flood season.”
