The leader of a northern Manitoba Indigenous community is expressing dissatisfaction with Manitoba Hydro following a prolonged power outage that led some residents to evacuate due to frigid temperatures dropping below –30 C on Tuesday night.
Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation declared a state of emergency for the community on Monday after a power line crossing the Nelson River, located approximately 10 kilometers north of the community, broke late Sunday evening.
Situated about 530 kilometers north of Winnipeg, the First Nation is home to nearly 7,000 residents residing on reserve land.
Manitoba Hydro crews operating in Pimicikamak anticipate completing repairs around 6 p.m. on Thursday, attributing the extended timeframe to the remote location of the affected power line and challenging terrain, as per Peter Chura, a spokesperson for Manitoba Hydro, in a statement to CBC News.
The damaged line, positioned between two islands, necessitates transporting crews and materials via helicopter to each end of the broken section for repairs. Despite the logistical complexities, Manitoba Hydro confirms that the restoration is on schedule to be finalized by Thursday.
Expressing discontent with the repair timeline, Chief Monias voiced his frustration, highlighting that proactive measures like rerouting the hydro line along the highway could have averted the crisis.
In response to the community’s pressing needs, Manitoba Hydro dispatched additional aid to Pimicikamak to address potential delays in the repair process. This support includes a 300-kilowatt generator from Thompson to power a water treatment facility, as well as several smaller generators and heaters allocated for use at local warming centers.
Monias emphasized that beyond infrastructure concerns, Pimicikamak requires additional resources such as cots, water, food, and gas. The community is currently grappling with frozen water and sewage tanks, a vulnerable main water line, and a depleted water reservoir.
With some residents resorting to using candles and portable heaters for warmth, Monias stressed the urgent need to address the escalating fire and safety risks, emphasizing that the situation has evolved into a critical human safety issue amid the severe winter conditions.
During a joint news conference with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison and Pimicikamak Coun. Shirley Robinson in Winnipeg, Robinson underscored the gravity of the situation, labeling it a “life and death matter.” Urging swift government intervention, she implored Premier Wab Kinew to declare a state of emergency and mobilize resources to safeguard the community’s well-being.
Robinson recounted her firsthand experience assisting residents in finding shelter at the community’s public works building following the power outage, underscoring the immediate need for comprehensive support measures.
While Monias advocated for potential evacuations during discussions with Manitoba Hydro, Indigenous Services Canada, and the Canadian Red Cross, he expressed hope that the influx of 600 generators en route to the community would obviate the necessity for further evacuations.
Numerous busloads of Pimicikamak residents have been relocated to Thompson or Winnipeg, where they are accommodated in hotels. Among those evacuated, Troy Paupanekis and his family found refuge in Winnipeg after enduring cold nights without power, relying on communal warmth and limited resources before their evacuation.
Additionally, 70-year-old Philip Beardy, already in Winnipeg when the power outage occurred, lamented the recurring issues with the power line, attributing past incidents to weather-induced damages. Beardy highlighted the emotional toll on Pimicikamak residents forced to leave their community amidst challenging circumstances.
The unfolding situation in Pimicikamak underscores the critical need for immediate assistance and long-term solutions to address the community’s ongoing challenges in the wake of the devastating power outage.