Manitoba Hydro is continuing to assist York Factory First Nation (YFFN) during low water levels on Split Lake caused by persistent drought conditions.
Manitoba Hydro appreciates the difficulty faced by the community, including the termination of ferry service. The utility has been in regular communication with YFFN Chief and Council to respond to the community’s concerns.
Manitoba Hydro has made six boats available to help transport people and supplies to and from YFFN. Two of the boats, one open landing-craft and one canopy boat, were loaned for the community to operate. Four more boats, including three Manitoba Hydro Boat Patrol vessels, are being operated by Manitoba Hydro staff and are available daily to support the community.
Manitoba Hydro has also arranged and paid for repairs to a boat owned and operated by YFFN.
YFFN’s claim in an August 26 news release that “…Manitoba Hydro has still only temporarily loaned us two small open aluminum boats that are working,” is inaccurate.
The YFFN statement, “For all of these past 40 days there has been three heavy duty, covered Manitoba Hydro Patrol Boats on Split Lake which haven’t been assigned by Manitoba or Manitoba Hydro to support York Factory,” is not accurate.
Manitoba Hydro has also, at the request of the community, supplied two floating docks for the community to use where they see fit.
For more information, please contact:
Peter Chura, Media Relations Officer
431-323-4511
pchura@hydro.mb.ca
