MUSKRAT DAM FIRST NATION, Ont. — An overnight power outage put residents of the remote community of Muskrat Dam First Nation on the verge of an emergency evacuation.
The fly-in settlement of about 300 people is located nearly 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.
In a news release, the First Nation said its generator broke down at about 12:30 a.m. Monday, and remained out of service until repairs were completed about three hours later.
Environment Canada data shows that temperatures were approaching -30 C in that part of Northwestern Ontario at the time.
Chief Gordon Beardy said the community has been "precariously" managing a potential crisis at the diesel power plant, where only one of three generators has been functioning recently.
The statement said the single unit is being pushed to its limit while work continues to repair or replace the other two.
A state of emergency was declared on Feb. 6 amidst a deep cold spell that saw wind chills reach as low as -60 C.
"We already have a lack of housing in Muskrat Dam and we can't afford to lose a single one. With no power or heat to keep the houses and pipes warm, flooding is a risk that could damage homes beyond repair," Chief Beardy said.
Contingency planning for another potential power outage includes a possible community-wide evacuation, the transfer of the most vulnerable members, utilizing large community spaces, or sharing homes heated by wood-burning stoves.
Beardy said "while we are praying that all will go well and that an evacuation will not be necessary, we will be ready nonetheless."
Parts for the generator, a possible rental, a potential replacement generator, and installation personnel have been sourced, but the installation process could take up to eight weeks.
Beardy expressed thanks for the assistance of the Tribal Council, the Independent First Nation Alliance, the Canadian Rangers, the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, the federal government and the contractors working on the problem.
