US EditionDowned power line in northern Manitoba repaired, electricity being restored
Manitoba Hydro repaired a snapped 300-metre transmission line, restoring power in stages to Pimicikamak Cree Nation after a four-day outage amid extreme cold and evacuation of 1,400 residents.
- On Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, Manitoba Hydro began staged re‑energization after repairing the broken transmission line, with full power expected Thursday evening.
- The outage began late Sunday when a 300-metre transmission line crossing the Nelson River snapped between two islands where ice was too thin for repair vehicles, and −30 C conditions hindered access, Manitoba Hydro said.
- About 1,400 evacuees left the community of about 7,000 for Norway House, Thompson and Winnipeg, while the Canadian Red Cross shipped generators and heaters and Manitoba Hydro supplied equipment with 20 employees on site.
- On Monday, Chief David Monias declared a state of emergency and urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to deploy the Canadian Armed Forces' Joint Task Force West, while evacuations continued despite repairs.
- Leaders warn that once power returns widespread burst pipes and flooding are anticipated, displacing more families, while plumbers and local repair teams work and federal coordinators monitor relief efforts.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Lights back on for First Nation in Manitoba, but frozen water poses new threat: chief
The chief of a First Nation in Manitoba says about 4,000 residents haven’t been able to return to the community and dozens more are set to leave because its water system has frozen after a days-long power outage.
Manitoba Hydro fixes downed line, ending Pimicikamak Cree Nation's frigid days in the dark
Power is being restored to Pimicikamak Cree Nation nearly four days after a widespread power outage left community members without heat in freezing winter temperatures and promoted a state of emergency.
Downed power line in northern Manitoba repaired, electricity being restored
CROSS LAKE — Manitoba Hydro said Thursday it is restoring power for residents of a northern First Nation after a downed power line forced them out. Completion of challenging repairs came a day after the chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to send in the military to deal with the crisis […]
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