Listen to this article
Approximately 3 minutes
The audio version of this article was created using artificial intelligence technology. Pronunciation errors may occur. We work with our partners to continually analyze and improve results.
The Chief of the Pimichimacak Cree Nation says hundreds of homes were “severely damaged” after a days-long power outage that damaged a water treatment plant and water systems and about 4,000 people were evacuated from the northern Manitoba province.
Residents of Pimicikamak, about 530 kilometers north of Winnipeg, began reporting broken pipes, leaks and sewer problems after power began to be restored Thursday. All power had been restored as of Friday afternoon, according to Manitoba Hydro.
Authority of the First Nation whose people are on reserves about 7000went out last Sunday night after a power line crossing the Nelson River snapped and pipes froze in bitter cold as temperatures dropped well below -20C.
About 200 homes were damaged by leaking pipes, Chief Executive David Monias said at a news conference on Saturday. According to him, it is no longer safe to live in these houses.
Monias said more homes may have been damaged due to the rapid thawing of pipes, but First Nations need more help to inspect homes and public infrastructure for cracks and leaks.
“Just because you don’t see a visible leak doesn’t mean there’s no damage. There may be cracks that are about to burst the pipes.”
Renovations will likely cost at least $44 million, Monias said, and he is currently working on a community revitalization plan.
On Friday, he issued a call for help from licensed plumbers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. He had also previously asked for help from the Canadian Forces.
“We need engineers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters—there’s a shortage of them in the community,” he said.
Pimicikamak group Shirley Robinson said the power outages caused “immense damage to our country.”
She said there was a major leak at the water treatment plant on the north side of the community and help was needed to repair the aging infrastructure.
“Our water treatment plant is about to collapse.”
Some residents are being evacuated to protect their health and safety, Robinson said. At least 140 people were expected to be evacuated on Saturday.
Monias said about 4,000 people have already been evacuated from the First Nations.
Jack Ross and his family were among the first to be evacuated to Winnipeg. He said his mother, who suffers from asthma, had difficulty breathing after her inhaler froze in the extreme cold during a power outage.
According to him, it was “very frosty” in the multi-generational house.
“The babies kept crying because they were cold.”
Ross said he is concerned his family will have to stay at the hotel for a long time due to ongoing plumbing problems.
“It’s very frustrating being away from home,” he said.
Mary Jane Scott, who arrived in Winnipeg Thursday morning before power came back on in Pimicikamak, said she believed evacuees could be stuck in the city for a while.
“I'm worried about coming back because of the pipes,” she said. “It will take time to fix the pipes.”
