Many residents of Pimicikamak Cree Nation have travelled to Winnipeg and Thompson this week as they wait for power to be fully restored to their community.
Manitoba Hydro expected electricity to return to all customers gradually by Thursday. However, on Thursday evening, the transmission line was already showing signs of overload.
“Because furnaces and overall electricity demand are very high, Hydro technicians cannot safely add more load tonight,” said Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias on Thursday. “Doing so could trip the entire system again, resulting in another full outage.”
Monias said that Manitoba Hydro will continue bringing customers back online Friday morning as demand drops.
“This approach is necessary to protect the system and prevent further outages.”
The community has been without power since Sunday, after a power line spanning 300 metres between two islands in the Nelson River went down. Approximately 20 Hydro employees worked in challenging conditions to repair the line, completing the repairs Thursday evening.
While residents await power, many have come to Winnipeg without adequate clothing. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. is now accepting donations of essential items.
They are seeking children’s pants, long‑sleeve shirts, t‑shirts, new socks and underwear, sweaters and hoodies, jackets and ski pants, as well as clothing of all sizes for teens, women and men.
Donations can be dropped off at the Best Western Plus Winnipeg Airport Hotel, 1715 Wellington Ave., where Pimicikamak Cree Nation volunteers are on site to accept and distribute the items.
It remains unclear as to when residents will return home, but if all goes according to plan, full power restoration is expected later today.
