Water is expected to be restored to Janvier residents in the coming days, following an incident at the hamlet’s water treatment plant.
Flushing has been completed in the hamlet and is expected to start Friday on the First Nation.
The municipality said at an information session on Friday that it’s optimistic water will be restored on Feb. 4.
Once flushing is complete, residents will be able to use water for flushing toilets, taking showers and doing laundry.
Incident Commander and Director of Emergency Management Scott Davis said that an operations team is at the emergency coordination centre and on site cleaning the treatment plant, cells and reservoirs.
On Monday, the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation decided to evacuate the area until they can safely use the water.
Some of those affected by the incident said representatives with the municipality have had little presence.
When asked why the municipality hasn’t been meeting with evacuees, CAO Annette Antoniak said the municipality is following protocol and update the band daily.
“When an incident like this happens on reserve, Indigenous Service Canada (ISC) enters into the discussion with the First Nation group. We’re not part of that discussion. It was the band’s choice to relocate some of their residents.”
One source, however, said the first call was Wednesday after the band brought the lack of communication forward.
Evacuees said it felt necessary to leave as there weren’t enough resources provided.
Meanwhile, the municipality said that usage of these facilities and water delivery is being monitored and as demand increases or decreases the number of resources could change.
“What would happen if we all have to evacuate again? Would similar cruel and insufficient protocols be in place?” said the source
Antoniak noted that the municipality did provide transportation for evacuees as well as washrooms, showers and laundry facilities, along with shuttles to and from those resources in the hamlet.
One evacuee said the band has done its part to ensure the safety and well-being of its people.
“The safety of their people comes first, that’s their responsibility, which they’re doing. It’s not their responsibility to fix someone else’s mistake.”
She said the last update she received was the day after the incident.
She noted the efforts from the people of Fort McMurrayites who have stepped up to help them.
As of Friday, the municipality said there are over two dozen people working on logistics, resources and operations at the emergency coordination centre.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.
