13 blocks in Dawson City affected by frozen water or sewer lines following water main breaks

Freezing temperatures didn’t stop crews in Dawson City, Yukon, working through Friday night to repair two water main breaks that brought the community to a standstill this past week.

On Wednesday, a water main break shut down Robert Service School. The following day, a second break flooded the Westminster Hotel, home of beloved and iconic Dawson bar, The Pit.

In an update posted Saturday night, the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Government said the water main break on 4th Avenue had been repaired and the one on 3rd was isolated.

Weather conditions of -40 C posed significant challenges to infrastructure, crews and equipment, the Nation said.

The First Nation is working with Dawson City emergency management staff and the Yukon government Emergency Management Organization.

The progress report comes after two separate water main breaks on Wednesday and Thursday night shut down the school and several businesses in Dawson City, and affected a number of homes.

The First Nation said 13 city blocks in the affected area have units with frozen water or sewer lines.

A boil water order is in effect for restaurants, daycares, community centres, hospitals and schools. Meanwhile, a boil water advisory remains in effect for the rest of the city.

Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in is urging anyone whose home has frozen pipes not to turn off bleeder valves and to turn off water and power to their hot water tanks.

In a notice posted to social media, the First Nation said the recreation centre will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to anyone who needs access to water, bathrooms and showers. Water jugs can also be filled at the Dawson Water Plant and Rock Creek.

Residents have been asked to be careful when walking in the affected areas because of ice buildup from flooding. They've also been asked to conserve water where possible.

The First Nation says weather is expected to improve but there is a chance of further pipe breaks with temperature fluctuations.