The chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, David Monias, has revealed that approximately 4,000 residents are unable to return to their community due to a critical issue with the water system, which has frozen following a prolonged power outage. The power interruption, resulting from a downed power line last weekend, affected the community’s infrastructure severely.
Manitoba Hydro restored power to the Pimicikamak Cree Nation on Friday, but the aftermath revealed that the water treatment facilities, pumps, tanks, and pipes have succumbed to freezing temperatures. Chief Monias emphasized the significant risks this poses to the well-being of the community members, especially vulnerable populations, including elders and children.
The freezing water system has led to bursting pipes, and water has reportedly seeped into the electrical sockets of some homes. As a result, the community has experienced four fires since the power outage, and currently, thirty-five homes are deemed uninhabitable. Monias articulated the urgency of the situation, stating, "We need help with major infrastructure." His concerns extend beyond just water and housing; he added that the community is running out of food and water as well.
In light of the dire circumstances, Chief Monias has reached out in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, requesting immediate assistance through the deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces' Joint Task Force West. The call for support includes logistical help such as water delivery and sanitation services for the affected areas.
The chief also highlighted the risks associated with the ongoing flood conditions, where standing water increases the danger of electrocution. Scenes of cracked flooring, shattered windows, and frozen appliances paint a grim picture of the living conditions within the community following the outage.
While Manitoba’s government has not yet provided a response to the ongoing crisis, Public Safety Canada has indicated that it is actively monitoring the situation in coordination with Indigenous Services and the province of Manitoba. Soraya Lemur, the press secretary to Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski, confirmed that there is a collaborative effort in place among federal, provincial, and non-governmental organizations, including those representing Indigenous communities, to provide support and address the evolving needs of the residents.
In response to the power outage, Manitoba Hydro has supplied a substantial generator to restore power to the water treatment plant and dispatched eight generators to facilitate the operation of heavy-duty heaters throughout the community during the power outage. The failure of a 300-meter-long power line connecting two islands in the Nelson River was the initial cause of the widespread blackout.
