April 27, 2017 - On April 17, Thunder Bay began receiving Kashechewan First Nation evacuees due to the spring flood. Thunder Bay is currently hosting 65 guests from Kashechewan, and due to weather conditions, no further arrivals are anticipated in the coming days.

"We are pleased to be able to provide a full schedule of recreational opportunities for our guests while they are with us," said Dennis Brescacin, Community Emergency Management Coordinator. "The City's Recreation and Culture Staff have been actively involved in entertaining our visitors and so far the evacuation and their stay in Thunder Bay has been a very smooth and positive experience."

Recreational activities with the Kashechewan evacuees have included:

  • arts, crafts, and games with City Recreation and Culture Staff
  • a visit to Prince Arthur's Landing
  • an outing to Maple Moose
  • activities at the Kinsmen Youth Centre
  • movies
  • and swimming at the hotel pool with City lifeguards on site

Upcoming activities will include:

  • a Super Hero and Princess Costume Event at the Victoria Inn
  • bowling at Galaxy Lanes
  • activities at the Kinsmen Youth Centre
  • and arts, crafts, games, swimming and movies will continue

To date, the following communities are presently hosting evacuees: Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Wawa, Hearst, Cochrane and Thunder Bay. Assessment of the weather and river conditions will continue and a decision will be made based on a count of the remaining residents in the community as to if, and when, further evacuations will continue.    

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Contact: Jodi Wright - Communications Specialist (Acting), Corporate Communications, 625-2438