Update on Kimmirut state of emergency
Territorial State of Emergency
A Territorial State of Emergency has been declared in Kimmirut under Nunavut’s Emergency Measures Act, effective immediately.
The need to declare a state of emergency at this time is to expedite the processes necessary to support the community. This declaration will also give the GN additional authority to control and assign assets of GN departments and public agencies under the Emergency Measures Act.
Currently, the departments of Community and Government Services, Health, Education, Economic Development and Transportation, the Nunavut Housing Corporation and the Qulliq Energy Corporation are working together with local agencies to maintain and restore services to the public.
Air charters have been arranged to expedite the transportation of equipment and staff. The departments are also working with corporate partners to manage supply chain of groceries and supplies for the community warming centre.
Power Situation
On October 31, 2024, Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) reported a complete community power loss. Limited backup power generation is available.
QEC has sent in crews to isolate the issue and determine the appropriate fix. While they have made progress, the community remains without power.
Residents should be advised that once power starts to be restored, it may be on a rolling basis. If this is the case, a schedule with locations will be provided.
Health Services
The local health centre is open for emergency services only. Health staff are on the ground and continue to provide support to community members and the emergency planning team.
A boil water advisory is in effect. The hamlet continues to test water quality and is communicating directly with Public Health.
Warming Centre
Qaqqalik School is open as a community warming centre where community members can access warm shelter, food and potable water. The kitchen is open and providing meals to community members from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and again in the evenings, with dinner service starting around 6 p.m.
The warming centre will continue to operate throughout the term of the state of emergency.
Community members are welcome to sleep in the gymnasium overnight as needed. Please bring blankets and pillows if you have some available.
Community and Government Services (CGS) is coordinating the delivery of additional food supplies Saturday evening to ensure food security. This will be provided to the warming centre for use in feeding community members.
Fuel Services
The Petroleum Products Division of CGS, through the local Co-op store, continues to provide fuel services to the community. This includes direct sales to residents from the local co-op store.
Indoor Heating Safety Risks
Community members need to be mindful of the risks associated with using gas stoves, camping stoves, or grills indoors for heating as they can release dangerous carbon monoxide. This should be avoided.
Municipal Services
The hamlet continues to manage municipal services, but is prioritizing critical facilities, including the warming centre (school) and the health centre.
Community members can attend the school to fill water jugs for personal use. Residents should bring containers with them to transport water for personal use.
If residents identify frozen pipes in their homes, please contact your landlord. The Nunavut Housing Corporation is mobilizing additional resources to assess its assets.
Additional Capacity
Employees from the Departments of Community and Government Services, Health, Education, Economic Development and Transportation, the Nunavut Housing Corporation, and the Hamlet of Kimmirut are working to ensure the safety and security of residents and monitor critical assets. This includes stepping into positions outside of their scope of duties to ensure critical services continue to be provided.
Kimmirut Search and Rescue volunteers are assisting with the care and comfort of their fellow community members.