Plans are starting to come together for an upcoming Kashechewan evacuation. Traditionally, the remote First Nation evacuates in late April or early May, depending on when the Albany River floods.
Evacuation Coordinator, Gerry Demeules says modern technology is making it easier to monitor the situation. He says they’re using new technology to measure the ice thickness, river flows, with gauges set up along the different rivers.
The Fire Marshal’s Office, Indigenous Affairs Canada, and the MNR are all working together to get plans set. Evacuees will be landing in Smooth Rock Falls, Kirkland Lake, and Kapuskasing sometime within the next month.
(With files from: Greg Rosser)