Pimicikamak First Nation prepares for military assessment after power crisis

Canadian soldiers and a seven-person technical assessment team began arriving to Pimicikamak First Nation to assess critical infrastructure after an extreme-weather power outage on Dec. 28 left homes and services damaged.

Canadian soldiers began arriving Sunday to be deployed to Pimicikamak First Nation near Cross Lake, Man. The community has been coping since an extreme-weather power outage on Dec. 28 that led to failures in critical infrastructure. Chief David Monias announced a seven-person technical assessment team that includes engineering specialists and communications support. Military personnel and the assessment team will evaluate priority infrastructure needs and advise on next steps. Key facts: - The power outage on Dec. 28 caused leaks, sewer backups and other damage to homes and local systems, according to Chief David Monias. - A seven-person technical assessment team and military personnel have begun arriving to assess priority infrastructure and communications needs; a second team is expected Wednesday. - A 30-person mobile camp and trades crews are on the way to assist with plumbing, electrical and restoration work, and the community has mentioned seeking funding from Indigenous Services Canada and the Canadian Red Cross. Summary: The arriving military and technical teams are intended to identify urgent repairs and inform recovery work for damaged infrastructure. Officials say assessments will determine what additional equipment and support are needed and a second team is scheduled to arrive Wednesday.