Cornwall Ontario — Cornwall’s guests from up north will be bidding the city good-bye today as they return home to Kashechewan Ontario. 360 evacuees are scheduled to board 10 flights departing from the Cornwall Regional Airport today. The first flight departed shortly after 11:30 am.

Flooding concerns have subsided in Kashechewan, which sits on the banks of the Albany River near James Bay. Chief Derek Stephen has recalled his people back to their community.

“I am very pleased that our guests have a chance to return to their homes and return to a normal daily routine,” said Mayor Bob Kilger.

Mayor Kilger also praised the relief effort that was co-ordinated by City staff in co-operation with Emergency Management Ontario.

“Our people reacted swiftly and professionally to support a community in need,” said Mayor Kilger. “I was very impressed at how well City staff, NAV CENTRE staff, local agencies and other community partners worked so well together.”

The Kashechewan residents evacuated to Cornwall included elderly residents, expectant mothers and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Over 150 children were also part of that group.

The Federal Government will be covering all expenses related to the evacuation during the past week.