First Nation evacuees wait out flood concerns in Melfort

Dozens of people who call the James Smith Cree Nation home are waiting and watching, hoping the weather forecast works in their favour.

Around 100 people were forced from the community, located southeast of Prince Albert, when the road on southern end became nearly impassible.

Due to muddy conditions caused by the spring thaw, the road recently deteriorated to the point where an ambulance, a tow truck and an RCMP cruiser got stuck.

Evacuee Lydia Burns, who has been at a hotel in nearby Melfort, said it was better to leave when she did rather than stay behind and get out later.

“It’s supposed to rain on the weekend,” Burns said. “If we can’t get water and sewage services, getting in and out is a struggle. It would even be a longer process on the weekend.”

Burns said the best case scenario would see them returning home within the next two days. But with rain still in the short-term forecast, there is also a risk of flooding.

“We have the Saskatchewan River on one side and Carrot River running on the other, so, it does get interesting,” Burns said.

Until evacuees get the green light to return home, Burns will keep looking for ways to pass the time.

“Do some beading, a little bit of arts and crafts and Facebook,” Burns said.