Indigenous leaders and officials will visit Pimicikamak in northern Manitoba to assess damage from a prolonged power outage that forced evacuations to Winnipeg
Visit to Northern Manitoba First Nation After Power Outage
Indigenous leaders, federal officials, and Premier Wab Kinew will visit a northern Manitoba First Nation on Wednesday. This visit follows a prolonged power outage, as announced by the community’s chief.
Details of the Visit
Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias stated that Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and federal Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand are among those scheduled to visit. Monias said, “This visit is important as it will allow leadership to see conditions on the ground firsthand, discuss ongoing challenges, and work toward solutions alongside our Nation’s leadership.”
Impact of the Power Outage
About 4,000 residents left Pimicikamak during the multi-day power outage. Some were evacuated to hotels in Winnipeg. Leaders are expected to visit the community to witness the aftermath of the outage this week.
Additional Leaders Visiting
Monias mentioned that Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee, and Indigenous Services Canada assistant deputy minister Jennifer Wheatley are also scheduled to visit Pimicikamak.
Power Restoration and Damage
The community, which has about 7,000 people, lost power late on December 28 when a transmission line broke about 10 kilometres north of Pimicikamak. Electricity was fully restored on Friday after the line was repaired.
Conditions During the Outage
The temperature dropped below -30 C during the outage. Monias reported that water lines, tanks, service lines, and sewage systems froze, causing damage and leaks inside homes. Pimicikamak declared a state of emergency and a public health emergency.
Evacuations and Home Damage
About 4,000 residents left Pimicikamak, located about 750 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Monias stated that more than 200 homes were uninhabitable, with property assessments ongoing. Evacuees are staying in Winnipeg, Thompson, and other communities.
Ongoing Evacuations
Monias said, “Evacuations are ongoing due to shortages of water and essential supplies. We understand that some people want to return home. While we cannot prevent you from returning, please be aware that you are doing so at your own risk.”
Previous Evacuations
The First Nation experienced two rounds of evacuations during this year’s wildfire season.
Government Support
Indigenous Services Canada has stated it will provide funding through its emergency management assistance program to repair infrastructure damaged by the power outage.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Power Outage | Dec. 28 | Transmission line broke, affecting 7,000 residents. |
| Power Restoration | Friday | Electricity fully restored after repairs. |
| Evacuations | Ongoing | About 4,000 residents evacuated; over 200 homes uninhabitable. |
| Government Support | Upcoming | Funding for infrastructure repairs announced. |
