A patch of land behind the Timmins Square is one area being looked at for a permanent home for First Nations evacuees.

Officials with CREE-Ative Structures says they’re considering building residences with around 250 individual units, with a mix of designs to accommodate families of different sizes.

It would be guided by a Board of Directors, Chaired by former Kashechewan Grand Chief Derek Stephen. Stephen himself was at Timmins city council Tuesday night to outline their plans.

He says one building would be for housing, and the other administration building would house space for schooling, health care, an elders centre and more.

Stephen adds currently when communities along the James Bay coast get evacuated, they’re forced to live in hotels with no timeline of when they can return.

This, he says, interrupts First Nations customs, traditions and overall way of life.

But by having a set area with all amenities included, Stephen says it’ll help them maintain their customs and keep families together.

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