Latest news with #NorthwestOntario
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tornado watch as severe storms target parts of Ontario, Manitoba
4:18 p.m. CDT - A tornado watch remains in effect across portions of northern Ontario as a line of severe thunderstorms moves through the region. A tornado watch means that conditions are favourable for the development of tornadoes. Pay close attention to the latest alerts in case the tornado watch is upgraded to a tornado warning in your area. Have a plan in place to seek safe shelter in case severe weather threatens your home, your office, or while you're driving. CURRENT TORNADO WATCHES (Ontario): Sioux Narrows - Nestor Falls - Morson Dryden - Ignace Fort Frances - Rainy Lake Atikokan - Upsala - Quetico The original article with the full forecast for northwest Ontario continues below. It's been a busy week for storms on the Prairies, and now all the ingredients are lining up for an active day of severe weather across much of northwestern Ontario on Friday. Severe thunderstorms are likely across Fort Frances, Atikokan, and Dryden as a favourable environment spreads over the region to end the week. One or two tornadoes are possible. Stay aware of rapidly changing conditions in your area on Friday. Keep a close eye on the radar as you go about your day. Pay attention to watches and warnings issued for your community. Have a plan in place in case a tornado warning is issued for your location, whether you're at home or on the road. STAY SAFE: We'll start the day Friday with some rain with embedded rumbles of thunder through the early morning hours on Friday. Heading into the day, forecasters expect high instability to build across northwestern Ontario and set the stage for robust thunderstorm development through the afternoon hours. A cold front moving in from the west will serve as the spark that sets off thunderstorms by the late afternoon and into the early evening. Friday's severe thunderstorms will pose a risk for one or two tornadoes, as well as large hail up to 3-4 cm in diameter, damaging wind gusts of 90-110 km/h and localized flooding. Severe thunderstorms are expected to bubble up first near Dryden, Ignace, and Fort Frances. These initial storms will pose a risk for tornadoes, especially close to the international border. Fort Frances can expect to see that heavy rain as early as 2 PM CT, with a large buildup north of the town as thunderstorms start to set in. While in the late afternoon, you will be able to see the storms spread across to Ignace, putting a couple more areas under that heavy rain brought in by the thunderstorms. As the evening wears on, these individual thunderstorms will likely merge into clusters, at which point the threat will transition to damaging wind gusts with the potential for embedded rotation and large hail. Make sure you stay aware of severe weather alerts in your area. To turn on severe weather alert notifications for your area, open The Weather Network App and go to settings, and then notifications. Have a sheltering plan in place for tornado warnings whether you're at home, at work, or on the road. The goal of tornado safety is to put as many walls and barriers as possible between you and flying debris. Click here to view the video
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mishkeegogamang First Nation and First Mining Gold sign Springpole agreement
Mishkeegogamang First Nation and First Mining Gold have entered a long-term relationship agreement (LTRA) for the Springpole gold project in northwestern Ontario, Canada. The agreement outlines a cooperative framework for the development, operation and closure of the project, ensuring environmental respect and benefits for the First Nation. The agreement, signed following a process agreement in 2021, was crafted through community-based consultations to incorporate the First Nation's interests and address their concerns comprehensively. Mishkeegogamang First Nation chief Merle Loon stated: 'This agreement is the result of a five-year process of technical review, traditional knowledge study and relationship building with First Mining. 'The agreement ensures that Mishkeegogamang's interests will be represented in the development and operation of the Springpole Project and will deliver long-term value by creating concrete opportunities for our community and our members. Together with First Mining, we are shaping the direction of a modern and long-term collaboration that is in keeping with our values.' The LTRA encompasses aspects of the Springpole project's lifecycle, ensuring Mishkeegogamang's involvement in environmental management and monitoring, the application of adaptive management strategies, and measures to enhance training and employment opportunities for the community. The agreement provides for the First Nation's equity stake and participation in the economic success of the project, and promotes business opportunities throughout the construction and operational phases of the mine. Crucially, the LTRA recognises Anishnaabe culture, incorporating cultural safety measures. It also details the financial benefits sharing arrangement from the Springpole project, ensuring that the First Nation receives direct economic advantages from the project's progression. First Mining CEO Dan Wilton stated: 'I would like to thank the Mishkeegogamang community and their leadership for the many years of hard work that they have put into information sharing, understanding and helping us shape and improve the plans for Springpole. 'This modern agreement provides clear avenues for Mishkeegogamang's participation in the development and operation of the project from an environmental, cultural, economic and business opportunities perspective. We thank the leadership of Mishkeegogmang for their openness, collaboration and trust and look forward to continuing to advance the project as long-term partners.' "Mishkeegogamang First Nation and First Mining Gold sign Springpole agreement" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Globe and Mail
03-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Goldshore Intersects 42.7m of 1.09 g/t Au at the Eastern QES Zone of the Moss Deposit
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 3, 2025) - Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00) (" Goldshore" or the " Company") is pleased to announce its latest assay results from its completed 20,000-meter drill program and the final results from the QES Up zone targeting the near surface extension of the most northern QES shears at the Moss Gold Project in Northwest Ontario, Canada (the " Moss Gold Project"). The drilling targeted the eastern side of the QES zone to confirm thickening of mineralization and its orientation. Michael Henrichsen, CEO of Goldshore, commented, "We're pleased with the continued positive results from the winter drilling with follow-up holes at the QES Zone intersecting wide intercepts of gold mineralized structure with some shears providing higher mineralization closer to surface. These results further support the potential for this region to support rapid payback in the early years of mining. This successful winter program sets the stage for our recently announced 50,000-meter drill program, focused on further resource expansion (29,000 meters) and grade control drilling (21,000 meters) which will ultimately set the stage for the infill drill program in 2026." Highlights: Results from two drill holes, which infilled significant drilling gaps in the QES Zone, intersected multiple wide intervals of gold-mineralized shear zones. The results confirmed the splaying of the QES zone into multiple shears on the eastern edge of the QES Zone with best intercepts of: 42.7m of 1.09 g/t Au from 241.6m in MQD-25-155, including 20.0m of 1.77 g/t Au from 246.0m, and 2.3m of 1.98 g/t Au from 282.0m, and 46.05m of 0.60 g/t Au from 290.0m, including 8.0m of 1.46 g/t Au from 309.0m 31.9m of 0.95 g/t Au from 231.2m in MQD-25-157, including 15.1m of 1.53 g/t Au from 233.4m, and 47.4m of 0.58 g/t Au from 271.6m, including 5.4m of 1.44 g/t Au from 272.0m, and 3.9m of 1.05 g/t Au from 310.3m Additionally, both holes confirmed the near surface extensions of deeper marginal shears along the northern edge of the QES Zone with some shears returning higher grade mineralization closer to surface with best intercepts of: 9.45m of 0.73 g/t Au from 156.0m in MQD-25-155, including 5.0m of 1.03 g/t Au from 159m 4.6m of 1.07 g/t Au from 30.4m in MQD-25-157, and 19.0m of 0.42 g/t Au from 43.0m, and 11.7m of 1.48 g/t Au from 102.0m, including 9.75m of 1.71 g/t Au from 103.0m, and 22.0m of 0.74 g/t Au from 154.0m, including 6.9m of 1.72 g/t Au from 154.4m Technical Overview Figure 1 shows the location of the drill holes being reported with respect to the completed winter drill program, while Figure 2 illustrates a cross section through drill hole MQD-25-157. Tables 1 & 2 summarize significant intercepts and drill hole locations, respectively. Figure 1: Summarizes the completed winter 2025 drill program, which targeted resource expansion within the conceptual open pit outlined in grey. Drill holes being reported are highlighted in red. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Figure 2: Cross section through MQD-25-157 illustrating the mineralized core shears in the QES Zone, as well as the extension of marginal shears toward surface on the northern flank of the QES Zone (QES Up). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: MQD-25-155 and MQD-25-157 were both drilled to test the QES Up target, which aims to prove the extension toward surface of deeper-modelled mineralized shear zones along the northern boundary of the QES Zone. The area targeted lies entirely within the conceptual open pit with all mineralized intersections representing opportunities to convert currently modelled waste to mineral resource. Both holes were extended through the entirety of the QES Zone, where they infilled gaps in the existing drilling. MQD-25-159 targeted a potential northern splay off the primary QES zone. Holes MQD-25-155 and MQD-25-157 were drilled 100m apart targeting surface extensions of deeper-modelled mineralized shear zones along the northern boundary of the QES Zone. They are the two most eastern holes of the QES Up program. MQD-25-155 collared into a weakly deformed and chlorite-epidote altered diorite quickly transitioning to a sericite-silica-chlorite dominated alteration with localized 1-2% pyrite-chalcopyrite bearing, sericite-silica-hematite altered shears increasing in intensity and depth. MQD-25-157 collared directly into the sericite-silica-chlorite packages. The sericite-silica-hematite altered shears are moderately mineralized with intercepts including 9.45m of 0.73 g/t Au from 156.0m, including 5.0m of 1.03 g/t Au from 159m in MQD-25-155; and 4.6m of 1.07 g/t Au from 30.4m, 19.0m of 0.42 g/t Au from 43.0m, 11.7m of 1.48 g/t Au from 102.0m, including 9.75m of 1.71 g/t Au from 103.0m, and 22.0m of 0.74 g/t Au from 154.0m, including 6.9m of 1.72 g/t Au from 154.4m in MQD-25-157 (Table 1). Both holes were extended into the QES namesake quartz eye granodiorite with pervasive sericite-silica-hematite alteration cut by shears hosting 3-5% pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralization. These shears host wide intercepts including 42.7m of 1.09 g/t Au from 241.6m, including 20.0m of 1.77 g/t Au from 246.0m and 2.3m of 1.98 g/t Au from 282.0m, 46.05m of 0.60 g/t Au from 290.0m, including 8.0m of 1.46 g/t Au from 309.0m, and 10.15m of 0.62 g/t Au from 421.0m in MQD-25-155; and 31.9m of 0.95 g/t Au from 231.2m, including 15.1m of 1.53 g/t Au from 233.4m, 47.4m of 0.58 g/t Au from 271.6m, including 5.4m of 1.44 g/t Au from 272.0m, 3.9m of 1.05 g/t Au from 310.3m, 3.25m @ 2.60 g/t Au from 392.5m, and 15.4m of 0.53 g/t Au from 413.3m in MQD-25-157. Additional minor lower grade shears are outlined in Table 1. MQD-25-159 was drilled an additional 300m northeast of MQD-25-177 targeting a potential splay of the QES Zone. The hole collared into the typical northern epidote-chlorite altered diorite with infrequent local sericite-silica shearing. These local shears were anomalous for gold but were too sporadically spaced to create reportable intervals. The hole was extended to intersect the sericite-silica-hematite QES granodiorite to confirm the orientation of the lithological domain which was intersected at 258.4m after which the hole was terminated in mineralization. The hole intersected several 5-10 meter wide, 2-3% pyrite bearing shears, that returned low grade mineralized intercepts including 4.40m of 0.55 g/t Au from 261.45m and 4.45m of 0.43 g/t Au from 293.1m. Figure 3: Sheared and mineralized granodiorite in MQD-25-155 returning 20.0m of 1.77 g/t Au from 246m along the eastern edge of the QES Zone. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Table 1: Significant intercepts HOLE ID FROM TO LENGTH (m) TRUE WIDTH (m) CUT GRADE (g/t Au) UNCUT GRADE (g/t Au) MQD-25-155 48.00 50.00 2.00 1.4 0.57 0.57 156.00 165.45 9.45 6.9 0.73 0.73 incl 159.00 164.00 5.00 3.6 1.03 1.03 222.00 225.00 3.00 2.2 0.35 0.35 228.00 231.35 3.35 2.5 0.59 0.59 241.60 284.30 42.70 31.7 1.09 1.09 incl 246.00 266.00 20.00 14.8 1.77 1.77 and 282.00 284.30 2.30 1.7 1.98 1.98 290.00 336.05 46.05 34.5 0.60 0.60 incl 309.00 317.00 8.00 6.0 1.46 1.46 354.25 357.65 3.40 2.5 0.43 0.43 372.25 374.35 2.10 1.6 0.32 0.32 379.05 383.80 4.75 3.6 0.46 0.46 390.00 392.25 2.25 1.7 0.49 0.49 404.95 408.00 3.05 2.3 0.37 0.37 421.00 431.15 10.15 7.7 0.62 0.62 441.00 448.60 7.60 5.8 0.51 0.51 MQD-25-157 30.40 35.00 4.60 3.1 1.07 1.07 43.00 62.00 19.00 12.8 0.42 0.42 77.40 84.00 6.60 4.5 0.35 0.35 102.00 113.70 11.70 8.0 1.48 1.48 incl 103.00 112.75 9.75 6.7 1.71 1.71 133.00 142.00 9.00 6.2 0.33 0.33 154.00 176.00 22.00 15.3 0.74 0.74 incl 154.40 161.30 6.90 4.8 1.72 1.72 186.10 190.50 4.40 3.1 0.47 0.47 203.40 224.00 20.60 14.4 0.48 0.48 231.20 263.10 31.90 22.4 0.95 0.95 incl 233.40 248.50 15.10 10.6 1.53 1.53 incl 239.00 239.75 0.75 0.5 16.5 16.5 271.60 319.00 47.40 33.7 0.58 0.58 incl 272.00 277.40 5.40 3.8 1.44 1.44 and 310.30 314.20 3.90 2.8 1.05 1.05 334.50 340.50 6.00 4.3 0.37 0.37 358.25 361.40 3.15 2.3 0.34 0.34 375.50 377.70 2.20 1.6 0.35 0.35 380.00 382.50 2.50 1.8 0.46 0.46 392.50 395.75 3.25 2.4 2.60 2.60 incl 394.80 395.30 0.50 0.4 15.4 15.4 413.30 428.70 15.40 11.4 0.53 0.53 MQD-25-159 261.45 265.85 4.40 3.3 0.55 0.55 293.10 297.55 4.45 3.3 0.43 0.43 Intersections calculated above a 0.3 g/t Au cut off with a top cut of 30 g/t Au and a maximum internal waste interval of 5 metres. Shaded intervals are intersections calculated above a 1.0 g/t Au cut off. Intervals in bold are those with a grade thickness factor exceeding 20 gram x metres / tonne gold. True widths are approximate and assume a subvertical body. Table 2: Drill Collars HOLE EAST NORTH RL AZIMUTH DIP EOH MQD-25-155 670,282 5,379,941 427 156.1 -49.9 450.00 MQD-25-157 670,372 5,379,985 428 155.7 -50.0 447.10 MQD-25-159 670,566 5,380,206 428 155.0 -44.4 300.00 Analytical and QA/QC Procedures The HQ diameter drill core has been oriented using ACTIII or equivalent tools and validated in the core shack. All core has been sawed in half cut just off the core orientation line (bottom of hole) with the right half (looking down hole) of the core bagged and sent to a third-party analytical laboratory. The left half of the core was returned to core boxes and is stored at Goldshore's Kashabowie core yard facility. All samples were sent to ALS Geochemistry in Thunder Bay for preparation and analysis was performed in the ALS Vancouver analytical facility. ALS is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) for the Accreditation of Mineral Analysis Testing Laboratories and CAN-P-4E ISO/IEC 17025. Samples were analysed for gold via fire assay with an AA finish and 48 pathfinder elements via ICP-MS after four-acid digestion. Samples that assayed over 10 ppm Au were re-run via fire assay with a gravimetric finish. In addition to ALS quality assurance / quality control (" QA/QC") protocols, Goldshore has implemented a quality control program for all samples collected through the drilling program. The quality control program was designed by a qualified and independent third party, with a focus on the quality of analytical results for gold. Analytical results are received, imported to our secure on-line database and evaluated to meet our established guidelines to ensure that all sample batches pass industry best practice for analytical quality control. Certified reference materials are considered acceptable if values returned are within three standard deviations of the certified value reported by the manufacture of the material. In addition to the certified reference material, certified blank material is included in the sample stream to monitor contamination during sample preparation. Blank material results are assessed based on the returned gold result being less than ten times the quoted lower detection limit of the analytical method. The results of the on-going analytical quality control program are evaluated and reported to Goldshore by Orix Geoscience Inc. Investor Awareness and Marketing Agreement The Company has retained Bluehand Consulting AG (" Bluehand") to provide ongoing digital media marketing services. Bluehand will work to facilitate investor awareness about the Company and its gold exploration projects. Bluehand will be paid EUR 200,000 to develop required content and for advertising. The term of this agreement shall be effective as of July 1, 2025 and will end on July 31, 2025. The budget allocated to Bluehand may be adjusted during the term based on market conditions and Company requirements, and the agreement may be renewed upon mutual agreement. The Company will not issue any securities to Bluehand in consideration for the services. Neither Bluehand, nor Matthias Oberli, the authorized individual of Bluehand, have any prior relationship with the Company and the Company deals at arm's length with both Bluehand and Mr. Oberli. Additionally, neither Bluehand nor Mr. Oberli have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Contact information for Bluehand is as follows: email: info@ mailing address: Bartholoméplatz 3, 7310 Bad Ragaz, Switzerland; phone: +41 764802584. Qualified Person Peter Flindell, PGeo, MAusIMM, MAIG, Vice-President, Exploration, of the Company, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Flindell has verified the data disclosed in this news release. To verify the information related to the winter drill program at the Moss Gold Project, Mr. Flindell has visited the property several times; discussed and reviewed logging, sampling, bulk density, core cutting and sample shipping processes with responsible site staff; discussed and reviewed assay and QA/QC results with responsible personnel; and reviewed supporting documentation, including drill hole location and orientation and significant assay interval calculations. He has also overseen the Company's health and safety policies in the field to ensure full compliance, and consulted with the Project's host indigenous communities on the planning and implementation of the drill program, particularly with respect to its impact on the environment and the Company's remediation protocols. About Goldshore Goldshore is a growth-oriented gold company focused on delivering long-term shareholder and stakeholder value through the acquisition and advancement of primary gold assets in tier-one jurisdictions. It is led by the ex-global head of structural geology for the world's largest gold company and backed by one of Canada's pre-eminent private equity firms. The Company's current focus is the advanced stage 100% owned Moss Gold Project which is positioned in Ontario, Canada, with direct access from the Trans-Canada Highway, hydroelectric power near site, supportive local communities and skilled workforce. The Company has invested over $75 million of new capital and completed approximately 100,000 meters of drilling on the Moss Gold Project, which, in aggregate, has had over 255,000 meters of drilling. The 2024 updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate (" MRE") has expanded to 1.54 million ounces of Indicated gold resources at 1.23 g/t Au and 5.20 million ounces of Inferred gold resources at 1.11 g/t Au. The MRE only encompasses 3.6 kilometers of the 35+ kilometer mineralized trend, remains open at depth and along strike and is one of the few remaining major Canadian gold deposits positioned for development in this cycle. Please see NI 43-101 technical report titled: "Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Moss Gold Project, Ontario, Canada," dated March 20, 2024 with an effective date of January 31, 2024 available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at For more information, please visit SEDAR+ ( and the Company's website ( For More Information - Please Contact: Michael Henrichsen President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Goldshore Resources Inc. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project; the potential mineralization at the Moss Gold Project based on the winter drill program, including the potential for additional mineral resources; the enhancement of the Moss Gold Project; statements regarding the Company's future drill plans, including the expected benefits and results thereof; the potential for resource growth at Moss and the fact that the results have the potential to significantly impact the economic performance of the deposit moving forward; the potential for a much larger mineralized system and that it will be pursued in the near future through additional drilling; and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: uncertainty and variation in the estimation of mineral resources; risks related to exploration, development, and operation activities; exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project will not be undertaken as anticipated; the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; the economic performance of the deposit may not be consistent with management's expectations; the Company's exploration work may not deliver the results expected; the fluctuating price of gold; unknown liabilities in connection with acquisitions; compliance with extensive government regulation; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain governmental permits, or non-compliance with permits; environmental and other regulatory requirements; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations; risks related to natural disasters, terrorist acts, health crises, and other disruptions and dislocations; global financial conditions; uninsured risks; climate change risks; competition from other companies and individuals; conflicts of interest; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; the Company's limited operating history; intervention by non-governmental organizations; outside contractor risks; the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Company's securities, regardless of its operating performance; and other risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at The forward-looking information in this news release is based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding: the future price of gold; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to fund its programs; the Company's ability to carry on exploration, development and mining activities; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services; the timing and results of drilling programs; mineral resource estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; the discovery of mineral resources and mineral reserves on the Company's mineral properties; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the Company's ability to operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; the Company's ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that the Company's exploration work will deliver the results expected; and that there will be no material adverse change or disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
CTV News
11-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Evacuee recalls ‘surreal' escape as northern Ontario wildfire threatens First Nation
More than 50 dogs and cats rescued from northern Ontario wildfires arrived safely in Barrie. When Destiny Rae boarded the military airplane that was evacuating residents of her First Nation in northwestern Ontario on Sunday, she looked out the window and saw her community in a smoky haze. 'It's very surreal, you feel very sad,' Rae recalled. 'I remember looking back at the airport terminal and thinking, 'This is my home. I hope it's here when I come back.' National Defence said CC-130 Hercules airplanes have been airlifting people out of Sandy Lake First Nation as a wildfire burns through the area, and more than 1,400 people had been evacuated as of Tuesday afternoon. Among the evacuees was Rae, who said she's not sure when she'll be able to return home — and what will be left standing — as a 1,500-square kilometre, out-of-control blaze threatens her community. As of Monday night, the provincial government said there were more than 20 active fires in northwestern Ontario, and six of them are out of control. One of those fires remains about 6.5 kilometres from Sandy Lake First Nation, it said. Rae said she was in disbelief when community leaders began evacuation efforts on Saturday, and 'everything just moved so fast.' People began packing and planes started flying in as the smoke made it hard to breathe, she recalled. 'I walked out of the house and then to the left you see blue skies ... then I turn right and then it's just bright orange and the skies are smoky,' said Rae. 'It's a very scary feeling knowing then the fire is just right there.' The plane had to circle around multiple times before it could safely land in Sandy Lake, she said, because the smoke was causing poor visibility. Rae said her mother, son, sister and sister's children boarded two military planes headed for Thunder Bay. Her brother is still in the community helping people, she added. 'It was a very sad moment when we took off,' Rae said. The province said communities in Kapuskasing and southern Ontario are hosting the evacuees. Rae said her family landed in Thunder Bay, then another plane took the evacuees to Mississauga, Ont., just west of Toronto. About three hundred people remain there, she said, including some from Deer Lake First Nation, which was evacuated about two weeks ago. Now, Rae said she's volunteering as a support worker as more people fly in. She's helping them sort out hotel rooms and connect with Red Cross, she said. Across the country, tens of thousands have fled from raging wildfires in recent days, prompting both Saskatchewan and Manitoba to declare provincial states of emergency. In Saskatchewan, the province is dealing with multiple fires in the north that have forced between 10,000 and 15,000 people to flee, including 7,000 from the La Ronge area. Meanwhile, about 21,000 have been forced out of communities in Manitoba ahead of the fires, including all 5,000 residents of the city of Flin Flon and about 6,700 from Pimicikamak Cree Nation. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has said firefighters from the United States have been called in to help fight the fires. On Monday, Australia's High Commission to Canada announced Australian firefighting crews have been deployed to Canada. Although Rae is still worried about what will remain of Sandy Lake First Nation when she returns, the experience has shown her how community members have shown up for one another. 'We just have to take it one day at a time,' Rae said. 'Most importantly, we just help each other in a time like this ... I know we can get by if we're just there for each other.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025. Rianna Lim, The Canadian Press
CBC
11-06-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Wildfire near Sandy Lake First Nation a 'sleeping giant' as evacuation flights pause
Social Sharing Spanning 163,000 hectares, the largest wildfire in northwestern Ontario — Red Lake 12 — is now being called a "sleeping giant." The fire is six kilometres from Sandy Lake First Nation and remains not under control. "Because of the cooler weather, you're not seeing anything right now. But there isn't enough rain," Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) said in an update provided by Sandy Lake First Nation on Tuesday. "It could take months to put out a fire this size." Canadian Armed Forces members were called in to assist efforts on Sunday. Since then, more than 2,000 people have been flown out of the community, the majority boarded onto Hercules aircraft. As of late Tuesday afternoon, the First Nation said Phase 1 of its evacuation had been completed. WATCH | Wildfire evacuees from Sandy Lake First Nation arrive in Greater Toronto Area: Wildfire evacuees from Sandy Lake First Nation arrive in GTA 22 hours ago Duration 2:08 "Flights have been paused," the community said in an official update. "Chief and council will assess over the next few days on further steps. Sandy Lake is NOT under a Phase 2 full evacuation." Evacuees are being sent from Thunder Bay to one of three host communities: Kapuskasing, Cornwall or Mississauga. Red Lake 12 "has destroyed at least seven cabins at different camps and a former fishing lodge owned and operated by Sandy Lake as a healing and land-based camp for youth," the First Nation posted on Facebook on Tuesday night. Fewer than 200 people remain in Sandy Lake, where they are taking care of people's pets as well as the community's critical infrastructure and services, band councillor Cynthia Fiddler told CBC's Superior Morning. Fiddler oversees the community's health portfolio and has been busy co-ordinating with people hosting evacuees to ensure everyone has access to prescriptions and other medical assistance, she said. "I'm needed here," Fiddler said. "With all our people out there, there's still lots of calls coming back." Elsewhere in the region, evacuations are continuing for other First Nations: Deer Lake First Nation evacuees are staying in Toronto due to Red Lake 12. Webequie First Nation evacuees are in Barrie due to the Nipigon 5 wildfire. North Spirit Lake First Nation and Keewaywin First Nations have called for community evacuations; CBC News is awaiting more information about where community members will be sent. Members of Wabaseemoong Independent Nations were staying in Niagara Falls from mid-May to early June due to wildfire Kenora 20, but were cleared to return home on Friday. 'Sandy Lake is so good in a crisis' Sandy Lake is a remote Oji-Cree community in Treaty 5 territory, about 600 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay. In Tuesday night's update, the First Nation provided clarity about a situation where construction workers were trapped at the Valard Camp and hid in a shipping container to evade the flames. WATCH | Construction workers trapped by wildfire take shelter in shipping container Workers survive wildfire by hiding in shipping container 3 days ago Duration 2:07 Nineteen construction workers survived a fast-moving wildfire in northwestern Ontario by huddling inside a shipping container near Sandy Lake First Nation, which is now under evacuation order. "Workers were preparing to protect the camp by clearing trees, but the fire just came too quick. Helicopters tried but couldn't reach them because of thick smoke," the First Nation said. "Sandy Lake leadership kept in contact. Deputy Chief Marcel Linklater and Coun. Russel Kakepetum drove to the camp and guided them back to the community. The crews were one of the first to be airlifted out of Sandy Lake to safety on a private charter. Sandy Lake is very thankful they are safe and back with their families." At the evacuation hub at Thunder Bay's airport, the First Nation's band rep team has been co-ordinating flights and distributing essential supplies. Despite the uncertainty of when evacuees will return home, Fiddler said the community has always been resilient, no matter the circumstances. "Sandy Lake is so good in a crisis," she said. "When something happens in our community, people are so willing to come together and work for Sandy Lake. They make sure everybody is taken care of. "It has gotten a little chaotic, but we come together fast, and I'm just so grateful to be from Sandy Lake for that." With cooler weather masking the view of the flames over the last couple days, Fiddler said "it just feels like a normal day." However, temperatures are expected to rise on Friday. Sprinkler systems have been set up in the community to protect homes closest to the fire. "FireRanger crews are making excellent progress setting up a consolidated perimeter line on the west side of the community of Sandy Lake and will be assisted by heavy machinery to create a fire break," Ontario Forest Fires said in its latest update Tuesday night. "Aerial suppression continues, with helicopters and buckets supporting FireRanger crews on the ground digging in to establish hoseline, pump and sprinkler perimeters." Air quality statements lifted — for now A special air quality statement first issued for Sandy Lake on May 27 was lifted as of Wednesday. Statements have also been lifted for the Fort Hope, Webequie, Weagamow Lake, Deer Lake and Pikangikum areas. They had been jointly issued by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, as well as Environment and Climate Change Canada. Despite recent rainfall, much of northwestern Ontario remains under a restricted fire zone, which means no open-air burning is allowed. Dr. Peter Lin, a family physician and a medical columnist for CBC, explained how wildfires create a lot of chemicals and tiny particles that affect people's eyes, skin and lining of their breathing tubes. "These [particles] are very tiny, so they can get deep into your lungs," Lin said. While in the short term people may experience eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough due to wildfire smoke, long-term exposure can also increase people's risk of lung cancer, he said. "Check the air quality index. It's easy, right? 10 is bad, one is good. It's all colour-coded," Lin said. "If it's a bad day, then avoid going out. If you have to go out, then use an N95 mask to cut down on the particles that you're breathing in." He also urges people to keep their doors and windows closed during smoky days, and wear sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts to protect their skin. "If you can afford a HEPA filter, that could clean up some of the air inside your house as well," he said.
