Power restored in Kimmirut, Nunavut, after 3-day outage

After a challenging three days without power, the community of Kimmirut, Nunavut, is finally seeing the lights back on. Nunavut energy provider Qulliq Energy Corporation announced the restoration of power on Sunday afternoon, bringing relief to the approximately 400 residents of this small hamlet on South Baffin Island.

During the outage, homes and stores were left without heat and electricity, leaving many residents with limited access to food due to the lack of refrigeration. This situation was made even more difficult by the recent tragic boating accident that claimed the lives of two community members, adding to the emotional strain felt by residents like Mialia Tikivik.

Tikivik, who recently returned to Kimmirut after the accident involving her father and brother, expressed gratitude for the support of her family during this challenging time. She has been checking on all her family members, including a younger brother with special needs and dietary requirements, despite feeling sore and tired from the ordeal.

The community has come together to support one another, with Qaqqalik School opening as a warming shelter and distributing essential supplies like fuel, food, and water. Additional supplies were sent by the government, and Canadian North has provided extra cargo services to ensure residents have access to necessities.

While a backup generator is operational at the water treatment plant, a boil water advisory remains in effect, and the local health center is only open for emergencies. The state of emergency declared by the hamlet and the Nunavut government is set to continue until November 16, with ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of households in the aftermath of the extended outage.

As the community navigates the aftermath of the outage, precautions are being taken to address potential issues like frozen pipes, with plumbers on standby to assist. Despite the challenges faced, residents like Tikivik are looking forward to simple comforts like taking a warm shower once their homes are heated again.

The resilience and unity displayed by the community of Kimmirut during this difficult time serve as a testament to their strength and solidarity in the face of adversity.