Yesterday, the City of Thunder Bay began to receive evacuees from Eabametoong First Nation. Due to a water service disruption in the First Nation community, the Province issued a request to Thunder Bay to be a host community. Thunder Bay will host approximately 200 people from Eabametoong.  

Mayor Ken Boshcoff acknowledged that displacement can be difficult for those having to leave their home community. “We aim to provide a positive experience and a comfortable home-away-from-home. I am grateful to the many people who plan and deliver the supports and services to our neighbours in their time of need.” 

The City’s response is a coordinated effort in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, Indigenous Services Canada, Matawa First Nations, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, ISN/Maskwa, Ontario Health North, and Emergency Management Ontario (EMO).

Working closely with EMO representatives, the City will continue to monitor the situation. A full cost recovery agreement is in place between Indigenous Services Canada and the City.

Eabametoong First Nation is a remote fly-in community located approximately 360 km north of Thunder Bay.  

- 30 -

Contact:         Fire Chief Greg Hankkio, 807- 625-2101  Greg.Hankkio@thunderbay.ca