After spending nearly two months in Thunder Bay, evacuees from Kashechewan First Nation have started returning home following repairs to their community’s water treatment plant.

The evacuation began in mid-December after the plant broke down. Replacement parts had to be sourced from overseas, leading to long delays. With repairs now complete and water quality confirmed safe, the community’s Chief has lifted the boil water advisory and repatriation is underway.

At its peak, about 200 community members were evacuated to Thunder Bay. As of today, 108 evacuees remain, with two repatriation flights scheduled for today and a final flight tentatively planned for Friday or Saturday, depending on availability. However, 20 people will stay in Thunder Bay for now, as their homes in Kashechewan are unlivable due to frozen water pipes. Work is underway to fix the damage, and steps have been taken to make sure those who remain have a place to stay and meals.

“The safety and well-being of evacuees have been our top priority throughout this process,” said Thunder Bay Fire Chief Dave Paxton. “Despite the challenges of organizing an evacuation over the holiday season, we worked closely with our partners so community members could get the help they needed. We have a good, long-standing relationship with Kashechewan First Nation, and we did our best to make their stay here as comfortable as possible.”

With flights now in progress, the City of Thunder Bay remains committed to helping those who must stay until they can return home.

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Contact:          Stacey Levanen, Supervisor – Corporate Communications & Community Engagement, 807-625-3650