The Canadian federal government has decided to deploy the military to assist the Pimicikamak Cree Nation following a prolonged power outage that caused significant damage to numerous homes and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents. Canada’s emergency management minister, Eleanor Olszewski, announced the deployment of a specialized team from the Canadian Armed Forces to provide targeted assessment and advisory support in various critical areas such as water treatment, sewage systems, power generation, project management, and logistics.
The deployment of military personnel comes in response to a request made by the Pimicikamak Cree Nation leadership nine days ago, seeking assistance with the extensive repairs needed, which could potentially span weeks or months. While the exact number of military members and the deployment timeline to the First Nation, located approximately 530 kilometers north of Winnipeg, have not been specified, National Defence spokesperson Nick Drescher Brown stated that the military will be sent as soon as feasible to collaborate with provincial and local authorities in evaluating and addressing the necessary repairs to sustain the water treatment, sewage, and power systems in Pimicikamak.
Chief David Monias expressed gratitude upon receiving confirmation that the army would be providing assistance, particularly focusing on the water and sewer infrastructure, which had been jeopardized due to the damage sustained by the sewer system. Around 10 to 15 military personnel equipped with engineering and logistics expertise are anticipated to be dispatched to the community over the upcoming weekend. Concurrently, local and volunteered tradespeople will be engaged in evaluating and repairing the impacted homes while the military focuses on repairing community infrastructure.
The aftermath of the four-day power outage that led to frozen pipes bursting has left over 200 homes uninhabitable out of the more than 1,300 residences in Pimicikamak. Approximately 4,000 individuals from the on-reserve population of 7,000 have been relocated to other communities like Winnipeg and Thompson during this crisis. Premier Wab Kinew commended the armed forces for their swift response, emphasizing the urgent need for support in Pimicikamak and the importance of mobilizing resources promptly.
Pimicikamak Coun. Shirley Robinson echoed the sentiment of community leaders, expressing relief and gratitude upon learning about the military deployment, highlighting the community’s dire need for assistance to facilitate the return of displaced residents. Chief Monias reassured evacuees that efforts are underway to ensure their safe return home at the earliest possible time, emphasizing the commitment to providing secure living conditions for their eventual return.