(Woodland Aerial Photography)

By Nigel Maxwell

Water emergency declared in Pelican Narrows

Jan 7, 2026 | 10:26 PM

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) is urging residents of Pelican Narrows to immediately conserve water as crews respond to a critical failure affecting the community’s raw water intake system.

The issue is limiting the amount of water entering the treatment system and poses a serious risk of a system shutdown and freeze-up if reservoir levels drop too low, officials said.

“The next 48 to 72 hours are critical,” said PBCN Vice Chief Justin Halcrow. “If we lose circulation in the system, the consequences could be catastrophic for homes and community infrastructure during winter conditions.”

The problem involves the line that draws water from the lake into the wet well and water treatment plant. While the exact cause has not yet been confirmed, technical teams believe the restriction is occurring upstream of the treatment plant rather than at the pumps themselves.

Operations and maintenance crews, supported by external technical specialists, are working around the clock to identify the cause and stabilize water flow.

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Emergency water tankers have been deployed to help maintain circulation and prevent freeze-up, while additional short-term measures — including under-ice work and the potential use of submersible pumps — are being prepared.

“We are doing everything possible to keep the system running while we work to identify the root cause of the problem,” said Councillor Olivia Custer of PBCN’s community of Pelican Narrows. “At the same time, community cooperation is absolutely essential. Reducing water use right now helps protect the entire system.”

As a precaution, the community remains under a boil water advisory, with residents advised to boil tap water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth or making infant formula.

Schools in Pelican Narrows have been closed for the remainder of the week to reduce demand on the system. Other high water-use public facilities may also remain closed or operate at reduced capacity while the situation is assessed.

Essential services will continue under strict conservation measures.

PBCN has also begun distributing bottled water to residents, with priority support being coordinated for Elders, medically vulnerable members and high-occupancy households. Volunteers are being recruited to assist with deliveries across the community.

“There is no confirmed timeline yet for a full resolution,” said Councillor Custer. “Our focus right now is stabilizing the system, keeping water flowing, and ensuring accurate information is shared with members as the situation develops.”

PBCN leadership is working closely with Indigenous Services Canada and other partners to secure emergency support and longer-term solutions.

Residents are being asked to reduce water use immediately by limiting showers and laundry, avoiding non-essential water use and minimizing winter line bleeding where safely possible.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell