Concerns Over Water Lead to Evacuations in Kashechewan

The atmosphere is calmer in Kashechewan First Nation.

A few kids are still outside playing hockey on a snow-covered road, but that was much more common just three weeks ago.

About half of the 2,300 residents in this remote fly-in community in northern Ontario have already relocated to cities further south – including Timmins, Ont., Kingston, and Niagara Falls – as part of evacuation efforts that kicked off earlier this month.

This situation arises from worries about the aging and damaged water treatment plant serving the Cree First Nation.

On January 4, Chief Hosea Wesley declared a state of emergency. Residents were warned not to drink the water, and the plant effectively stopped supplying it to their homes.

Technicians from Northern Waterworks were called in to fix the issues and worked on getting the water back online. However, they’re currently waiting for test results from a lab in North Bay so health officials can decide if the water is safe to consume.

Adrian Sackaney stands outside his home with his son, Adrian Jr. He goes to the Albany River every day to cut chunks of ice that when melted, is used to bathe his children. (Jimmy Chabot/Radio-Canada)

Adrian Sackaney remains skeptical about the local water supply.

He travels to the nearby Albany River, which flows into James Bay, to gather large blocks of ice

Every day, Sackaney transports that ice back home using a snowmobile so it can be utilized once it melts.

“I use that ice for my kids to take a bath,” Sackaney stated. “It’s hard work going out there … I don’t trust that water plant right now.”

While evacuations proceed, Sackaney intends to stay put.

“It’s not fun being out there and staying in a hotel,” he mentioned. “There’s six of us and we get cramped up.”

However, his wife and children will likely join others who are already taking flights out to other communities across the province.

Rita Wynne waits for her grandchildren for the next flight from Kashechewan to Niagara Falls, Ont. (Jimmy Chabot/Radio-Canada)

Rita Wynne is among many who have opted to leave.

She waited with her grandchildren at the small airport terminal for their next flight heading towards Niagara Falls.

“It’s stressful what’s happening here, especially with kids when they’re giving us bottled water,” Wynne expressed.

“It’s not enough when there are families; like there’s a big family living under one roof.”

Wynne mentioned there are 14 people spanning several generations living in her household.

This will be her first visit to Niagara Falls but said staying in hotel rooms feels better than having no faith in local drinking water.

“I think there are too many quick fixes regarding the water plant because we’ve faced ongoing issues.”Robert Lariviere, a consultant with Northern Waterworks, is in Kashechewan to help repair the water treatment plant. (Jimmy Chabot/Radio-Canada)

The Issues Faced

Robert Lariviere , a consultant with Northern Waterworks , was brought on board as an expert at assessing damage at Kashechewan’s water facility and assisting with repairs.

Lariviere explained how pumps at this facility failed due mainly due clogging. They had been replaced.

“We found two [ pumps ] laying around frozen over ,” he noted.

“They had malfunctioned before but were never sent out for repairs , just left aside without any spare ones available.”

The sewer system hadn’t been cleaned properly over several years , he added.

“Another issue arose when sewage backed into their system causing debris built up inside pipes,” Lariviere explained.

“As soon as things started draining all those particles dislodged causing plugs within pumps.”

These clogs resulted into significant sewage backup impacting nursing station leading towards its relocation across street into elementary school premises instead.Water service has resumed again within kashewchan however officials await lab results confirming its safety status before consumption.( Jimmy chabot/radio-canada )

Future Steps

The Next Steps Ahead

Wesley has reached out seeking additional assistance both federal & provincial governments enhancing evacuation processes while ensuring local drinking supplies remain uncontaminated.

“I requested Canada support kashewchan helping our youth along side our elders”, expressed him.

In longer run plans Wesley stated his community faces flooding each spring hence relocation needs shifting ground upwards would be crucial

He also mentioned challenges arise obtaining long-term investments surrounding infrastructure due constant environmental threats.

Indigenous Services Canada spokesperson Eric Head confirmed via email correspondence received through mentioning back December 4th department approved funding $8 million providing detailed planning studies facilitating move initiation.

“Indigenous Services Canada continues supporting kashewchan first nation meeting requirements on permanent basis.” Head concluded.

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