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Northern Ontario First Nation threatened by Spring Flood Waters

Wednesday, 6 May 2020 17:17

Residents of a Northern Ontario First Nation threatened by spring flood waters are facing more complex and some fear-inducing options for escape this year, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The almost 2,000 residents of Kashechewan First Nation have had to flee their community every year since 2012 due to flooding, and have been evacuated to larger centres such as Timmins and Thunder Bay.

But this year, many residents are now fearful of this option - worried about catching the novel coronavirus or bringing it back into their community.

That's why about 1,200 people have instead decided to wait out the flood season on the land, with some setting up camps in their traditional territories and others planning to camp in an area known as Site 5, about 30 kilometres from the First Nation, where the community is eventually supposed to be moved.

About 800 residents are staying put, hoping the waters don't rise too high this year and force them to leave.

There are no communities YET in the Yukon who have voiced concerns about high water or possible flooding.

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