Crews Work to Restore Power to Thousands in Manitoba First Nation

Power restoration efforts are underway for approximately 7,000 residents of the Cross Lake/Pimicikamak Cree Nation in Manitoba, who have been without electricity since Sunday. According to Manitoba Hydro, crews are working diligently to repair a downed power line that failed while crossing the Nelson River. The utility company anticipates that power could be restored by Thursday evening.

Challenges Complicate Restoration Efforts

The outage has been particularly challenging due to the remote location and difficult terrain surrounding the First Nation. Crews have been actively clearing a road to reach the site of the damage, which has hindered repair efforts. Jeff Betker, a vice-president at Manitoba Hydro, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the community and the workers. “We appreciate the difficulty this outage is causing the community,” Betker stated. “Our employees are making every effort to safely restore power as quickly as possible.”

This situation follows a tumultuous year for the Pimicikamak Cree Nation, which faced significant challenges during the summer when thousands of residents were evacuated due to wildfires. The ongoing power outage adds another layer of hardship for a community that has already endured considerable stress.

Weather and Accessibility Issues

Weather conditions have further complicated the restoration process. Betker noted that operations are dependent on favorable weather for helicopter access, which is necessary to transport equipment and personnel to the repair site. As crews continue their work, the hope remains that power will be fully restored by the anticipated deadline.

Restoration of services to the Cross Lake/Pimicikamak Cree Nation is a priority for Manitoba Hydro, and the company is committed to overcoming the obstacles presented by the challenging circumstances. The utility company continues to keep residents updated on the progress of restoration efforts.

This report by The Canadian Press was originally published on December 31, 2025.