The chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation says hundreds of homes were badly damaged after a power outage that lasted several days in northern Manitoba. The outage also damaged the community’s water treatment plant, forcing about 4,000 people to evacuate.
Power went out last Sunday after a line crossing the Nelson River broke during extreme cold, with temperatures falling below –20 C. When electricity was restored later in the week, many residents reported burst pipes, leaks and sewer backups.
Chief David Monias said about 200 homes are no longer safe to live in, and more damage may be found as inspections continue. He estimates repairs could cost at least $44 million and says the community needs help from plumbers, engineers and other skilled workers.
Band councillor Shirley Robinson said the outage caused serious damage to community infrastructure, including an aging water treatment plant that is at risk of collapsing. Evacuations are continuing to protect residents’ health and safety, with thousands already relocated.
