Kashechewan First Nation, located on the James Bay coast in northern Ontario, is preparing to evacuate its residents due to the malfunctioning water treatment system. Chief Hosea Wesley declared a local state of emergency, emphasizing the safety of the community members as their top priority amidst the water crisis.
The community, home to approximately 2,300 residents, is facing uncertainty regarding the timeline for restoring normal water production. Technicians from Northern Waterworks have arrived to assist in repairing the aging water treatment plant, but sourcing the necessary repair parts has proven challenging. The plant has experienced multiple issues, including pump failures in December and subsequent problems with raw sewage intake.
Residents have been relying on bottled water for drinking, with a new shipment expected to arrive by air soon. To manage other essential tasks like dishwashing and toilet flushing, residents have been collecting water from the nearby Albany River or melting snow. The lack of running water has worsened an influenza outbreak within the community.
In a recent public address, Chief Wesley mentioned that Indigenous Services Canada allocated $1.7 million in March for plant upgrades. However, long-term solutions may be delayed due to plans to relocate the flood-prone community 30 kilometers north. Previous relocation plans initiated under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau aimed for completion by 2029, but uncertainties persist under the new government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The community continues to face challenges with water access and infrastructure improvements, prompting concerns about the timing of essential repairs and the future of the relocation plans.