THUNDER BAY – Travel by convey is being planned for the fire-striken areas around the James Bay Highway. The SDBJ are opening a window of opportunity to allow individuals to return to their respective communities and/or travel southbound for whatever business they may have in the south.
Two convoys will be organized and led by the SDBJ; one going Southbound and another going Northbound.
SOUTHBOUND CONVOY
For those who would like to travel SOUTHBOUND, the SDBJ Convoy leaves km 518 at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow. The SDBJ Southbound Convoy departs km 518 at precisely 9:00 a.m. so it is strongly suggested that you arrive ahead of time. All vehicles will be escorted down to km 274. For those who would like to return to Eastmain, you will be authorized to detach from the Southbound Convoy at the Eastmain Access Road.
NORTHBOUND CONVOY
For those who would like to travel NORTHBOUND, the SDBJ Convoy leaves km 274 at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow. The SDBJ Northbound Convoy departs km 274 at precisely 7:00 a.m. so it is strongly suggested that you arrive ahead of time. All vehicles will be escorted up to km 518. For those who would like to return to Eastmain, you will be authorized to detach from the Northbound Convoy at the Eastmain Access Road.
CLOSURE of James Bay Highway
Once the SDBJ Convoy has left, whether it is Southbound or Northbound, the James Bay Highway will remain closed for the rest of the day and until further notice. Anyone who arrives late for the SDBJ Convoy will not be authorized to travel the JBH alone. The Road Blocks at km 274 and km 518 will be reset until further notice as soon as the SDBJ Convoy leaves.
STICK WITH THE CONVOY
In addition, this convoy is meant only for those who would like to return to their communities; it is not intended for bush camp owners to verify the condition of their camps. Once you have joined the SDBJ Convoy, you will not be authorized to branch-off at any area along the James Bay Highway other than an Access Road leading to your community.
PIT-STOP AT KM 381
Km 381 will have fuel available; however, it is strongly recommend for those who are able to carry their own fuel to do so. The cafeteria will be closed. There will be short stop at km 381 to allow vehicles to fuel. Once the SBDJ Convoy is ready to leave, you must also be ready. Important to note that if you join the SDBJ Convoy, whether it be Northbound or Southbound, you will be expected to remain with the group at all times.
POTENTIAL RISK
The SDBJ and SOPFEU have assessed and evaluated that there is still a strong potential risk for forest fires to re-ignite in certain areas along the James Bay Highway based on the hot weather forecasts for the coming week.
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