homes

'My entire community was under water': Most homes in Jean Marie River damaged during flood

'My entire community was under water': Most homes in Jean Marie River damaged during flood

Twenty-two homes in Jean Marie River have been damaged by water and contaminated with fuel after the Mackenzie River flooded the N.W.T. community on both Friday and Saturday nights, according to the community's chief. Chief Stanley Sanguez told CBC News the band office and the school — in the lower lying downtown area — were also affected. The community of fewer than 100 people only has 26 homes in it, he said. "The water went so high that it uprooted all the fuel tanks, you could literally smell diesel all over," he explained. "The fuel that got into the houses is going to embed right in the lumber. It [doesn't] matter how you wash it, you'll still have that smell." When the water came Friday night, it came quickly.

Family goes without running water to simulate what it's like to live with unsafe tap water as many Indigenous people do

Family goes without running water to simulate what it's like to live with unsafe tap water as many Indigenous people do

Gordie Hanna says the last week highlighted to them that we really do take the convenience of tap water for granted. The Cambridge resident tells 570 NEWS that the other takeaway was "that people shouldn't have to do this in Canada ... anywhere." He figures they went through 130 litres of water in seven days. Hanna says "We didn't realize just how much we use, and how much we enjoy the quick and easy convenience," of turning on the tap and getting warm water for things like doing dishes.

Water treatment plant to be completed on First Nation in northern Ontario next year

Water treatment plant to be completed on First Nation in northern Ontario next year

Batchewana First Nation members have received some welcome news. It was announced this past week that a ground-breaking ceremony was staged for a water treatment plant expected to be fully functional on the First Nation in northern Ontario by the end of 2021. “They’re happy,” Chief Dean Sayers said of the Batchewana First Nation members who will have access to clean drinking water in their homes.