Pimicikamak Cree Nation (PCN) and the Incorporated Community of Cross Lake (ICCL)  

 

BLUF  

Power has been restored in Pimicikamak Cree Nation (PCN) and the Incorporated Community of Cross Lake (ICCL). Significant damage to water and sewage systems, homes, and public facilities has triggered a Boil Water Advisory and extended evacuations. As per the Request for Federal Assistance (RFA), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have arrived with a specialized team to provide assessment and advisory support as of 12 Jan. MB Hydro is ready to reconnect the sewage treatment plant in the next two days, pending the damage assessment and building inspection. With the joint emergency management organization coordination, it is unlikely that the PCN will submit a request for further Federal or CAF support for evacuation.   

   

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Current Situation  

        The CRC confirms 3,785 (+29) individuals and 1,327 (+15) households have been registered as evacuees. 

        Nation confirmed 30-man camp is set to become operational 19 Jan.

        The State of Local Emergency for ICCL has been extended until 04 Feb.  

        A total of 20 tradespeople and 40 restoration assessment technicians arrived in the community on 13 Jan.  

        On 12 Jan, the CAF Technical Assessment Team (TAT) arrived on location.  

o   Interactions with the community have been positive and the TAT has a high level of support from the local community.

        Critical piping has been repaired, and power has been restored in both water treatment plants (WTPs).  

o   MB Hydro is now in the process of re-energizing other buildings within the community.

o   MB Hydro has supplied a Power Quality Meter to help evaluate the current electrical demand at the NORTH water treatment plant.

o   Once on site, the meter will be connected for a period of 24h to collect information on the power requirements for the building.

        An ISC Environmental Specialist is working to assess waste management needs. 

 

Request for Federal Assistance (RFA)  

        The RFA was approved by the Minister of National Defence for PCN and ICCL.   

        A seven member CAF initial technical assessment team have arrived in PCN as of 12 Jan 2026.   

o   Five members from 1 Engineer Support Unit.

o   One Public Affairs Officer.

o   One Image Tech from Combat Camera.   

o   On 14 Jan, three additional individuals are expected to join the TAT.

 

Weather and Risk Outlook  

        Mainly sunny conditions for 14 Jan, with cloud cover increasing late this afternoon. Winds remain light at up to 15 km/h, with a daytime high of 15 C and wind chills near 27 C.

        Snow forecast tonight with 5 10 cm expected, accompanied by southerly winds increasing to 20 km/h this evening. Wind chills of 23 C this evening and 8 C overnight, rising to -3 C by morning.

   

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