Kashechewan First Nation, located on the James Bay coast in northern Ontario, is preparing to evacuate its residents due to the deteriorating condition of its water treatment system. Chief Hosea Wesley declared a local state of emergency on Sunday for the Cree First Nation, which is home to approximately 2,300 people.
Expressing concerns about the uncertainty of when regular water production will resume, Wesley emphasized the community’s focus on ensuring the safety of its members and providing access to clean drinking water. Technicians from Northern Waterworks have been dispatched to assist in repairing the water treatment facility, but the necessary repair parts are challenging to procure, compounded by multiple issues with the aging plant.
The trouble began in early December when the pumps at the plant malfunctioned, leading to the inability to treat drinking water with essential chemicals. Subsequently, the intake for raw sewage at the facility also encountered problems. Wesley described the situation as a series of unfortunate events affecting the plant’s operations.
Residents have been relying on bottled water for consumption, with a fresh supply scheduled to arrive via air on Tuesday. To manage other daily activities like dishwashing and toilet flushing, residents have resorted to collecting water from the Albany River or melting snow for their needs.
Wesley highlighted the community’s resilience in coping with the challenges, drawing a comparison to past times when running water was scarce. He mentioned that the absence of running water has worsened an ongoing influenza outbreak within the community.
Regarding the plant repairs, Wesley mentioned that Kashechewan had received $1.7 million from Indigenous Services Canada in March for upgrading the water treatment facility. However, long-term improvement plans might be delayed due to discussions about relocating the flood-prone community 30 kilometers north. While previous plans aimed for completion by 2029 under the Trudeau administration, uncertainties surround the timeline with the current government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The community remains uncertain about the relocation timeline, an issue that has persisted over an extended period. Wesley acknowledged the challenges faced in navigating this situation, emphasizing the need for continued support and solutions for the community’s well-being.