Kashechewan prepares for another flood evacuation, worries about dike

As the cost for last year's evacuation of Kashechewan hits $21 million, band officials are again planning to move people out of the community because of concerns about spring flooding.

The low-lying community on the James Bay Coast in Ontario's far north is located next to the powerful Albany River. Last year, almost all of the 2000 people who live in Kashechewan were flown out to other Ontario communities because of the flood risk.

Water and sewer backup damaged 34 homes in the community last spring, and about 400 people from Kashechewan are still living in Kapuskasing while their homes are being repaired.

• Kashechewan evacuation costs continue to mount

In past years, Kashechewan and the nearby communities of Fort Albany and Attawapiskat have only flown residents out if there is an imminent flood threat.

But Kashechewan Chief Derek Stephen said he's already starting the process to move vulnerable people out as early as April 27 because the First Nation has not been able to agree with the federal government on a plan to repair the dike that protects the community.

The band commissioned a report from the engineering firm Hatch on the state of the dike, which was installed in the 1990s. It found the dike has deteriorated and there is "an intolerable risk" of spring flooding.

• Kashechewan spring flood risk 'intolerable,' report says

"We have been trying to come to a conclusion on how to move forward on it, but with the way their policies are we have to keep changing our submission. It doesn't sit well with us," Stephen said.

Aboriginal Affairs proposal

In a statement, the office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs said it has offered $1.1 million to Kashechewan to assist with repairs to the dike.

"Our Government has put in place a dedicated working group which has been meeting regularly with the First Nation to address both the immediate and long term solutions to this particular issue," the statement said.

"Further, we have made a proposal to the First Nation including funding to ensure the proper operation of flood related infrastructure such as the dike gates in advance of the upcoming flood season, and we re-affirm our continuing commitment to provide up to $1.1 million in funding for the repairs."

According to Aboriginal Affairs, the cost of last spring's evacuation of Kashechewan stands at $21 million dollars and continues to climb.

Talks also continue with the federal government on the idea of moving Kashechewan to nearby higher ground, Stephen said. He estimates that relocation could cost roughly $750 million.