Kashechewan First Nation sees arrival of first modular housing units

Hundreds of displaced Kashechewan First Nation residents are another step closer to returning home.

The federal government says dozens of modular units have arrived on the First Nation.These units will be assembled to build 52 new duplexes, for a total of 104 units.

• Frequent Kashechewan evacuations cost taxpayers millions
• Kashechewan First Nation spring flooding spurs talk of moving for good

In May 2014, a total of36 homes in Kashechewan First Nation were damaged due to snow melt within the ring dike. The flooding forced more than 450 residents to move to temporary lodgings in Kapuskasing.The cost to house the Kashechewan evacuees has been about$350,000 per month.

The housing announcement was made today byIndigenous and Northern Affairs minister Carolyn Bennett, and Chief Leo Friday. Neither were available for an interview with CBC News.

'Tremendously difficult situation'

In a news release, Bennett expressed appreciation to the town ofKapuskasing and said the arrival of the units marks a major milestone to bring residents home, as well as help address issues of overcrowding and safety.

"Being away from family and friends is a tremendously difficult situation for the displaced residents. By working in partnership with Kashechewan First Nation, we will ensure that all displaced residents will be able to return to the community as soon as it is safe to do so," she said.

In the same news release,Chief Leo Friday said community members "are anxious to return home after being displaced by flooding over two years ago."

"The uncertainty of living away from your grassroots and people has impacted the displaced residents and we look forward to re-establishing our community spirit and unity," he said.

Kashechewan First Nation has hired Vytis Lands (Kagawong)Ltd.to construct the homes.