Latest News
Back
12
Jan
2026
2026
Community Notice - Pelican Narrows
Community notice
Water System Update, School Closures & Water Conservation
(Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Treaty 6 Territory) — Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation would like to provide members with an important update on the current status of the community water system, as well as outline safety precautions related to temporary pumping operations now underway.
Confirmed Cause of Water Supply Issue• The root cause of the water supply problem has now been confirmed.
• A significant leak/break is suspected on the six-inch raw water pipeline that runs from the intake pump house at the beach to the water treatment plant near the school.
• The approximate location of the break is:
o Just north of the walking path behind the Youth Centre, near the commonly used footpath between the schools and Crystal’s Snack Bar / Pearsons.
• Evidence shows that while approximately 40 litres per second are being pumped from the intake, only 12–14 litres per second are reaching the water plant — meaning about three-quarters of the water is being lost before it arrives.
Current System Status• Intake pump airlock issues have been resolved.
• Reservoir levels are stable and nearly full, and water production is continuing.
• Canadian Dewatering remains on site, providing temporary intake support to help sustain the system.
• Even at reduced production levels, overnight low demand has helped maintain reservoir levels.
• If production were to stop completely, reservoirs could supply water for approximately 2–2.5 days.
Repair Plan & Timeline• A contractor has been mobilized with parts, equipment, hydrovac, and excavation crews.
• Excavation preparation is underway, with active locating and exposure of the pipeline scheduled to begin at sunrise tomorrow.
• Crews will use:
o Record drawings
o Surveying
o Visible surface water
o Careful hydrovac excavation to safely locate the two parallel lines
• Terrain is challenging, and graders and possibly a cat will be used to clear access.
• The repair could be completed as early as tomorrow, but is more likely Wednesday or Thursday, depending on conditions.
• A short system shutdown will be required once the break is exposed in order to complete the repair safely.
Safety Notice – Walking Path Closure• Due to the location of the break, the walking path between the schools and Crystal’s Snack Bar will be barricaded.
• This area will be an active excavation site.
• Parents, students, and the public are asked to avoid this area until work is complete.
• Additional safety signage and barriers will be installed.
Facilities & School Reopening• Reopening of schools and facilities is subject to:
o Continued system stability
o Repair progress
o Safe access around the excavation site
• At this time the facilities and school remain closed.
• If facilities reopen and water demand exceeds capacity, temporary re-closure may be necessary.
Water Conservation Still Required• Water conservation measures remain in place
• Members are asked to:
o Avoid unnecessary water use
o Stagger laundry and other high-water activities
• Community cooperation to date has been acknowledged and appreciated.
We do not want a sudden spike in demand while repairs are underway.
Water Delivery• Tank truck hauling to houses is expected to resume tomorrow morning, as conditions allow, to support households during repairs.
Boil Water Advisory• The Boil Water Advisory remains in effect.
• Leadership will provide an update once guidance is confirmed.
• For schools, options under consideration include keeping taps shut and providing bottled water, depending on advisory requirements.
What’s Next• Excavation and repair work begins at sunrise.
• System performance and reservoir levels will be monitored continuously.
• Further updates will be shared as confirmed information becomes available.
Thank You
PBCN thanks community members for their patience, cooperation, and continued water conservation, and thanks the crews and technical teams working long hours to resolve this issue safely.
— Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Leadership & Operations
Boost this post to get more reach for Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.
Leave a Comment