Despite freezing temperatures, work crews in Dawson City, Yukon, persevered through the night to mend two water main breaks that paralyzed the community during the past week. The first break at Robert Service School closed the school on Wednesday, followed by a second break at the Westminster Hotel, home to the renowned Dawson bar, The Pit, the next day. This also led to frozen pipes in several properties connected to the same water line.
Officials updated on Sunday that approximately 80 homes still had frozen pipes. Collaborative efforts from city crews, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, and the Yukon government Emergency Management Organization are actively engaged in repairing and thawing out broken and frozen pipes to ensure water access across the city.
The city announced on social media that crews are progressively moving north on 4th from King and then north on 3rd from King to address the frozen lines, acknowledging the unique challenges posed by each property. Extensive renovations are essential near the Westminster Hotel, prompting the city to bring in extra personnel and equipment for the task.
The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government reported on Saturday night that the water main break on 4th Avenue had been fixed, with efforts ongoing to address the break on 3rd Avenue. Severe weather conditions at -40°C presented significant obstacles to infrastructure, crews, and equipment.
As per the First Nation, 13 city blocks in the impacted region have units with frozen water or sewer lines. A boil water order is in place for specific establishments, while a general boil water advisory remains effective for the rest of the city as a precautionary measure.
Residents have been advised to exercise caution when navigating the affected areas due to icy surfaces resulting from the flooding. Additionally, they are encouraged to conserve water whenever possible. Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in warns of potential further pipe breaks due to temperature fluctuations, despite forecasts indicating an improvement in weather conditions ahead.
