Gjoa Haven lifts state of emergency as power outage recovery continues
Community ends emergency order after outage, but water repairs continue
Gjoa Haven’s state of local emergency is over, following a three-day power outage, but recovery efforts continue as the community manages ongoing water system issues. Work to replace the damaged line will begin in the coming days. (File photo)
The Hamlet of Gjoa Haven has lifted its state of local emergency, saying conditions have stabilized after a three-day power outage resulted in damaged homes and worsened an already ongoing water crisis.
The hamlet announced Thursday on Facebook the emergency declaration was no longer needed and emergency measures were no longer required.
The emergency was declared April 9, a day after a community-wide outage began during severe weather.
Electricity was restored last Saturday, but officials had kept the declaration in place as crews responded to frozen pipes, damaged heating systems and water service concerns.
The hamlet of about 1,500 people has also been under a boil water advisory since Jan. 15, when a pipe connecting the community’s water source to its treatment plant broke, forcing officials to rely on temporary measures while repairs were planned.
On Thursday, the hamlet said the emergency order was not being extended for the water situation because residents have access to safe drinking water if they follow the boil water advisory.
Water delivery services have continued, though the hamlet warned temporary disruptions remain possible as crews manage “system pressures,” the update said.
Residents are also able to fill water jugs for free at the Northern store.
The hamlet said technical work on the damaged water intake line is advancing, with Iqaluit-based contractor Pilitak Enterprises Ltd. expected to begin repairs in the coming days.
Earlier this week, a charter flight arranged by Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. delivered bottled water and emergency heating equipment.
The shipment included about 9,000 litres of water — roughly 600 bottles — along with 12 portable heaters and copper tubing for plumbing repairs at the arena.
The Nunavut Housing Corp. said 50 of Gjoa Haven’s 266 public housing units were damaged during the outage, largely because of frozen plumbing systems. Eight units had been repaired as of midweek, while 42 still required work.
All six families displaced by the outage have returned to their homes as of Thursday, said Chantel Caza, the corporation’s communications manager.
Plumbers and oil burner mechanics are being flown into the community over the next several weeks to support repairs.
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