Pimicikamak Cree Residents Await Home Repairs Before Returning, Says Chief
Residents of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation are anticipating necessary home repairs before fully returning to their community. Chief David Monias reports that approximately 116 of the 4,000 displaced residents have started to come back as repairs on their homes are completed.
Status of Home Repairs in Pimicikamak Cree Nation
The cold snap in December led to significant water damage due to a prolonged power outage beginning on December 28. This incident resulted in frozen and burst pipes, causing flooding in homes across the First Nation, located about 530 kilometers north of Winnipeg. Power was restored by January 2, yet many homes remained unsafe, leading to a mass evacuation.
Current Challenges for Evacuees
- Evacuees currently reside in Thompson and Winnipeg.
- Monias emphasizes the urgent need for food, clothing, and hygiene supplies.
- Donation drop-off locations are available at the Best Western Plus on Wellington Avenue in Winnipeg.
Evacuees are managing with limited resources, often relying on minimal kitchen facilities. They express concerns about both their living conditions and the educational impact on their children while displaced.
Ongoing Repairs and Future Plans
Chief Monias states that the process of assessing and repairing affected homes is ongoing. This includes the work of plumbers, electricians, and carpenters, who are focused on ensuring clean water and safe living conditions. Many homes require significant repairs, including frozen pipes, damaged flooring, and insulation replacements.
Repair Timeline Uncertainty
The timeline for completing repairs remains unclear. Monias indicates that skilled tradespersons can repair five to ten homes per day, but the actual duration of the repair work greatly depends on the extent of the damage. Currently, the community remains in an emergency state, looking at lessons learned from the crisis to improve future preparedness.
Long-term Resilience Strategies
In moving forward, the Pimicikamak Cree Nation seeks to address the failures of generators during the outage and plans to invest in new ones. Additionally, the installation of wood stoves is being considered to provide a more sustainable heating option during emergencies. This would require coordination with insurance providers. Furthermore, Monias advocates for the relocation of Manitoba Hydro’s transmission lines to enhance accessibility and expedite repairs in case of future failures.
The community remains focused on recovery while ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. As assessments and repairs continue, Chief Monias urges remaining evacuees to remain patient during this challenging period.
