THUNDER BAY -- Up to 80 evacuees from Cat Lake First Nation will begin arriving in Thunder Bay on Friday.
The community's Margaret Gray Nursing Station was destroyed in a March 2 fire, leaving residents in Cat Lake First Nation without a central access point to health-care services.
The evacuees will include the community's most vulnerable residents, who require specialized medical services, and their family members.
"We are devastated to learn of the fire in Cat Lake First Nation," Mayor Ken Boschoff said in a city-issued release.
"For those that must leave their home community, we will aim to provide a positive experience and a comfortable home away from home for you. I am grateful to the many people who plan and deliver the supports and services to our neighbours in their time of need."
The city is working with Emergency Measures Ontario, Indigenous Services Canada, Windigo First Nations Council, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Ontario Health North and ISN Maskwa, and will continue to monitor the situation in Cat Lake First Nation, located about 440 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay.
