Flood risks prompt evacuation planning in Moose Cree First Nation

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Flood risk prompts pre-emptive evacuations for northern Ont. First Nation

Rain continues, highs near 18 Friday, snow Sunday

With heavy snow pack and rising temperatures, voluntary evacuations have begun in Moose Cree First Nation near Cochrane.

Pre-emptive evacuations are focused on “vulnerable community members” to start with, officials said Wednesday morning.

Plans are in place “to begin registrations for a potential full evacuation.”

“This decision is based on information and data from the Ministry of Natural Resources showing record snowfall accumulation across northeastern Ontario, with particularly heavy impacts in the Moose River Basin and the waterways that flow directly toward our communities,” the First Nation said in a public safety announcement.

“Combined with the forecasted temperatures and weather patterns in the coming days and weeks, there is an elevated risk of flooding. As a unified leadership group, we believe it is in the interests of community health and safety to begin offering voluntary evacuation to community members who feel they may be at higher risk or who have greater health or mobility needs.”

The initial evacuations include residents with serious health conditions, in late stages of pregnancy, people who are recovering from surgery or who have children under the age of 16.

Process is voluntary

“Community members who are 60 years of age and older are encouraged to consider a voluntary evacuation option,” officials said.

“Planning and coordination for voluntary evacuations are in progress. Once arrangements are finalized, information and notifications will be posted.”

The situation will be evaluated daily and updates will be released when appropriate.

“All community members are encouraged to remain on standby, to prepare your homes and to prepare yourselves,” the post said.

“All community members are required to register their family and household in advance.”

A pre-evacuation registry station will be set up at the TCJMC Community Hall beginning April 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. This registration is to support emergency planning, coordination, and safety of all residents.

Residents can also register online.

Households will be required to provide information such as the number of people in households, names, age, date of birth, any pets, dietary restrictions, allergies, indication if they are going to camp, along with camp location information, etc.

If you are unsure whether you or a family member should consider voluntary evacuation, email [e-mail] to discuss your situation.

“Community members who have made plans to go to their spring hunting camps are encouraged to continue with those plans,” officials said.

“Please provide camp locations and ensure sites are not within flood-prone areas. If you choose to camp in flood-prone areas despite these conditions, please be aware that you may be placing yourself and those who may be called upon to assist you at higher risk.”