Kashechewan evacuees to head back home later this week

Kashechewan First Nation says the risk of flooding has receded in the community along the James Bay Coast and it's safe for residents to return home.

Evacuees staying in Thunder Bay are expected to leave on Thursday or Friday.

Most of them have been here since May 1.

Thunder Bay's deputy fire chief Dave Paxton, who's been helping co-ordinate services for the Kashechewan residents in Thunder Bay, said things have gone smoothly.

"We've kept active with them. We've visited some of the landmarks within the city. Kids have been engaged in recreation and culture every day, with some activities to keep busy."

Paxton said more than half of the more than 300 evacuees staying in Thunder Bay are under the age of 18.