Two First Nation communities in the area have declared a State of Emergency with the severe flooding seen throughout the region, as well as a number of communities in the Fort Frances area.
Leadership of Grassy Narrows First Nation and Wabaseemoong Independent Nation both issued State of Emergency notices earlier this week, which lets communities access provincial assistance with their flooding situations.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Brent Ross, says Emergency Management Ontario (EMO), the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry have all deployed resources to the affected communities.
“EMO is working with other provincial ministries and several municipalities across Ontario that can provide support and assistance,” says Ross. “The province will continue to collaborate closely with affected First Nation communities and municipalities, the federal government, and the [non-governmental organization] sector to ensure that all necessary resources are deployed to protect people impacted by flooding.”
The Municipalities of Kenora and Red Lake have both been under a local State of Emergency since May 10.
Other communities who have since issued local State of Emergency notices include Marten Falls First Nation near Thunder Bay, Naicatchewenin First Nation, Seine River First Nation, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation and Lac La Croix First Nation near Fort Frances, as well as Emo, Fort Frances, Conmee, Ignace, Morley and La Vallee.