Frequent Kashechewan evacuations cost taxpayers millions

The federal government has yet to get the bill for evacuating 1,068 people from Kashechewan this spring, but band leaders argue that instead of paying for an annual exodus, the government should pay to move the entire community.

After years of lobbying and waiting, Kashechewan deputy chief Hosea Wesley wonders what it will take before his community is moved to higher ground.

"It's going to be sad if one child has to die before the government acts on this. I don't want to see that," says Wesley.

But he believes there's a financial argument to be made as well.

The cost of this year's 10-day evacuation isn't known yet, but according to figures from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, in 2015, moving 1,230 people out for 27 days cost $9.4 million dollars.

Kash evacuees in Kapuskasing could be heading home

There's also the monthly bill of $350,000 for housing 450 people in Kapuskasing, which taxpayers have been footing since several dozen homes were ruined by flooding in 2014.

That means a total of more than $8 million has been spent on rent and food for those families, as well as the cost of operating a school for the children on long-term evacuation.

Wesley says plans are being set to bring those people home, with construction expected to begin this summer on 104 new homes in Kashechewan.

He says the funding is in place for the multi-million dollar construction project, which is expected to stretch over several building seasons.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada wouldn't confirm any details, but said an announcement is forthcoming.

'Optimistic' about permanent move

Money is the reason the community is still in the flood plain of the Albany River.

In 2005, the Liberal government had a $200 million plan to move Kashechewan further up river to a location known as Site 5, but when the Conservatives came to power in 2006, it was dismissed as too costly and instead the government committed to invest in infrastructure in the community.

Wesley is optimistic that a new Liberal government will mean a new permanent home for Kashechewan.

He hopes the release of a new study looking at flooding conditions and possible solutions later this summer will be the jumping off point.

"When we had that agreement back in 2005 it was with the Liberals, so I'm optimistic about this government that he'll address the issue of Kashechewan," he said.