Kashechewan evacuees start returning home as flood risk fades
'We are a strong, tight-knit community and we always pull through things and our people are strong'
The chief of the Kashechewan First Nation says people from the community are relieved to be heading home starting Monday.
Almost 1,400 people were evacuated from Kashechewan because of a risk of spring flooding and they've been staying in communities across the province.
Chief Derek Stephen said ice on the Albany River broke up and moved past the community last week without causing any damage.
He said flights to bring people home will start landing in the community Monday. Everyone is expected to be back by the end of the week.
"You know these past four consecutive years we have been dealing with evacuations," he said. "We are a strong, tight-knit community and we always pull through things and our people are strong."
Not everyone will be going home though. About 400 people who have been living in Kapuskasing for a year will remain there, because their homes have not been repaired following flood damage last year.
Stephen said repairs to a dike around the community are required to prevent future spring evacuations.