Kashechewan

The northern Ontario First Nation of Kashechewan, located on the Albany River 10 km inland from James Bay, has been evacuated on several occasions over the past decade as a result of flooding and its impacts on water quality.  Poor-quality and limited housing infrastructure has resulted in severe overcrowding in the dyked settlement area. 

planningAlliance, in partnership with Keewatin-Aski Ltd., is undertaking a Capital Planning Study for the Kashechewan First Nation to address these long-standing challenges while accommodating the next 50 years of growth.  pA is working in close collaboration with the First Nation and community members to document existing living conditions, housing forms and community uses as well as future aspirations.  This extensive consultation, including a household-by-household survey, underpins the participative development of options for both upgrading and expanding the existing community in situ and, alternatively, relocating it to a less flood-prone site.  Importantly, the plan will integrate infrastructural improvements with education, training, skills development and social and economic goals essential to the long-term health and sustainability of the community.