Six months after being relocated to a long-term care facility hundreds of kilometers away from his family, Jimmy Spence remains hopeful that his time as an evacuee is coming to an end. The 85-year-old, along with 20 other residents, has been residing in a long-term care facility in Winnipeg since wildfires forced them from their personal care home in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in July 2025.
Despite the circumstances, Spence expressed his longing for his northern home and family, emphasizing the patience required for their eventual return. The evacuation of the care home residents, many of whom have cognitive impairments, was necessitated by heavy smoke from wildfires that enveloped the community located about 660 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg.
Initially expected to be a short-term relocation, the care home residents have found themselves in Winnipeg longer than anticipated due to necessary repairs to their facility. Jessie Horodecki, the care home’s executive director, mentioned that the repairs are underway and are projected to be completed within the next six weeks, allowing residents to return home before the end of February.
The state of the care home deteriorated due to the prolonged use and exacerbated by power outages during the wildfires, leading to significant malfunctions in essential systems. The need for repairs became critical, with a focus on fixing the damaged floor, deemed unsafe for residents’ return without proper restoration.
Amidst the challenges of an extended evacuation, efforts have been made to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort to the displaced residents. Although the temporary stay in Winnipeg has offered certain conveniences such as access to health services, the longing for home remains prevalent among the evacuees, including Ann Hall, who expressed her desire to return to her family and familiar surroundings.
However, the process of securing funding for repairs has encountered obstacles, with the responsibility shifting between provincial and federal entities. Despite the delays, preparations are being made to facilitate the residents’ return, ensuring a safe and seamless transition back to their home community.
As the wait continues, the residents, staff, and families are eagerly anticipating the day when they can finally reunite in their familiar environment, highlighting the resilience and unity displayed throughout this challenging period of displacement.
