WINNIPEG The Canadian Red Cross has announced that evacuees from Pimicikamak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba will not face a second displacement in the wake of their recent water crisis. Chief David Monias expressed concerns about the accommodations of these evacuees in Thompson, particularly as the city prepares to host a minor hockey tournament this weekend.
Currently, approximately 1,200 residents from Pimicikamak are residing in Thompson. However, it remains unclear how many of these individuals are accommodated in local hotels versus other lodging options. In a communication on Thursday, the Red Cross indicated that they have secured accommodations for all evacuees, even though some may have to relocate temporarily based on room availability.
Manitoba’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Lisa Naylor, expressed satisfaction with the arrangement, stating that all evacuees wishing to remain in Thompson now have a place to stay. Naylor confirmed that collaborative efforts are in place to minimize disruptions to the evacuees during this emergency situation.
The crisis began last month when approximately 4,400 Pimicikamak residents were forced to evacuate due to a power outage that led to frozen water systems, sewer backups, electrical failures, and burst pipes in their homes. Chief Monias noted that many of the over 1,300 homes in the First Nation require significant repairs
In a letter addressed to Premier Wab Kinew and various cabinet ministers, Monias urged the provincial government to ensure that hotels accommodate evacuees by delaying or canceling large events. There was initial worry that the hockey tournament could necessitate the displacement of some evacuees in Thompson, thereby heightening the urgency for supportive measures.
The Minister reiterated the importance of stability for the evacuees, emphasizing that the community is in a continuous state of emergency response due to ongoing damage to crucial infrastructure, including water and sewer systems. Monias stated that the increasing need for repairs and the consequent risk to the community’s health and safety are growing concerns.
According to the Manitoba Hotel Association, over half a dozen hotels in Thompson offer around 600 rooms. The association’s president, Michael Juce, affirmed that hotels are committed to welcoming evacuees and striving to provide assistance to all guests.
This issue of hotel availability is not new to Manitoba. Last year marked one of the worst wildfire seasons in 30 years, displacing more than 32,000 residents from various communities. Authorities previously urged hotels to free rooms and cancel events to accommodate evacuees facing similar challenges.
In addition to housing, Monias has requested that hotels assist in facilitating the availability of traditional foods for the Pimicikamak community members. He pointed out that many hotels prohibit evacuees from bringing in food or accepting deliveries, which he stressed is essential for both physical and mental well-being.
Monias additionally called for the provincial government to send engineers from Manitoba Hydro to assist the First Nation's community and military personnel in restoring water and sewage treatment facilities. This week, approximately 10 members of the Armed Forces arrived to provide logistical and technical support.
Manitoba Hydro acknowledged that it had not received formal requests but highlighted that it has been consistently dispatching workers to Pimicikamak. Currently, 10 to 12 staff members are tasked with installing service equipment for the sewage treatment plant and inspecting electrical links. Repair work on the power line was completed recently after discovering minor damage.
In a concerning development, Monias noted reports of a “steady and increasing” number of residents seeking medical treatment for skin and gastrointestinal issues, which he attributes to the lack of clean, running water in the community. This situation raises alarms as the Pimicikamak community grapples with the backdrop of an emerging emergency.
