Kashechewan evacuees heading home from Thunder Bay

About 600 residents from Kashechewan First Nation are on their way home more than a month after flooding forced them out of their community on the James Bay coast.

The evacuees have been staying in hotels in Thunder Bay since May 10. 

The return is "a little more complicated this time than in previous years," with three flights headed to Kapuskasing and one going to Kashechewan on Tuesday, according to Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Greg Hankkio.

That's because "36 homes sustained significant flood damage requiring those families to remain outside the community until repairs are made," according to a news release from the City of Thunder Bay.

"Arrangements were made early-on that the long-term evacuees would go to Kapuskasing," Hankkio said, adding the decision is partly related to hotel availability.

Approximately 170 people from Kashechewan will be flown out Tuesday, with more flights continuing until the end of the week, Hankkio said.