THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Flooding in the Northern Ontario community of Kashechewan have led to the evacuation of the community. 400 people will be hosted in Thunder Bay.
The City of Thunder Bay is among communities that have been asked by the Province to host residents of Kashechewan First Nation due to flooding.
The City’s Emergency Operations Control Group met Friday and confirmed support of the request to host and start preparations.
“Thunder Bay will welcome our neighbours from the north in their time of crisis,” said Mayor Bill Mauro. “I have had it confirmed by our emergency services providers that we have sufficient resources to address needs that may arise during the evacuation.”
The City will receive approximately 400 guests as early as this afternoon. Activity is presently underway to put in place the resources required to support the well-being of all.
“We have a long history of contributing as a host community, supported by full funding from the federal government,” continued Mayor Mauro.
The City’s response is a coordinated effort in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, Department of Indigenous Services Canada, Ontario Health North, and the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Ontario (OFMEM).
Working closely with OFMEM representatives, the City will continue to monitor the situation and planning is ongoing. A full cost recovery agreement is in place between Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and the City.
