A plumber in Pimicikamak Cree Nation anticipates that repairing burst pipes and other plumbing issues resulting from frozen water during a prolonged power outage in severe cold could take up to a month. The power outage occurred in the northern Manitoba First Nation after a power line across the Nelson River broke on Sunday. Manitoba Hydro initiated a staged power restoration process, with full power being reinstated by Friday afternoon.
Following the power restoration, residents reported incidents of burst pipes, leaks, and sewage backups. Randy Spence, one of the ten plumbers servicing the community, estimated that around 70% of homes suffered plumbing damage. He encountered flooded crawl spaces and water accumulation in main living areas during service calls, with some areas experiencing water levels exceeding an inch high.
Spence described the situation as overwhelming, receiving over 50 service calls within a short period on Friday morning. He highlighted the challenges faced, mentioning that if additional plumbers from outside the Cross Lake area are not available to assist, it could take three weeks to a month to address all the plumbing issues.
The plumber explained that pipes froze and expanded during the power outage, leading to cracks and subsequent leaks once the thawing process commenced following power restoration. To prevent further damage, plumbers are currently prioritizing shutting off main valves.
While Manitoba Hydro stated that they are not liable for outage-induced damages, they are supporting efforts to address the leaks. Indigenous Services Canada announced that financial aid would be provided through their emergency management assistance program to repair the damaged infrastructure in Pimicikamak.
Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation expressed concerns over the extensive infrastructure breakdown caused by the power outage. He emphasized the urgency for licensed plumbers from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta to assess the damage and create a plan for repairs.
Evacuees, numbering around 1,400 individuals, left the community after a state of emergency was declared. Despite power restoration, the timeline for their return remains uncertain as assessments of the damages are required to ensure a safe living environment. Residents like George Paupanekis, who stayed in a Winnipeg hotel, shared their experiences of enduring freezing temperatures during the outage and the challenges faced due to the plumbing issues.
The evacuation of community members amid repeated crises has taken a toll on residents, with Chief Monias acknowledging the emotional impact of displacement. Efforts are ongoing to provide essential supplies to residents remaining in Pimicikamak, ensuring their basic needs are met.