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The Arena in the Town of Hudson Bay is among the buildings affected by watermain breaks. Town of Hudson Bay/Facebook
Hudson Bay watermain breaks

Watermain breaks in Hudson Bay shut down Arena

Feb 24, 2023 | 10:56 AM

The Town of Hudson Bay Arena has been shut down because of a watermain break.

“It’s affecting the arena and the school, and others on that block as well, just because we’ve had to shut off a few blocks to isolate the break,” said Amanda Purves, assistant administrator in training for the town.

However, school is out for the week, she said, so students are not directly affected.

The first break was discovered on Wednesday and then a second was found Thursday, which has shut off water to the Town Office, Legion Hall, and others in the area.

“The first break, we are waiting on additional equipment resources this morning. Because the break over there is very close to a gas line. So they just have to do things a little differently,” said Purves.

Digging is already underway at the second break. However, she cautioned the town can’t say for sure when the breaks will be fixed.

In total, Purves said around 40 residential homes are without water because of the two breaks. The town office is asking people who need water to contact them.

They’re also encouraging people to help out their neighbours.

“If people need water, they can call the office here and we will figure something out for them,” she said. “Other than that, we’re just encouraging people to help out their neighbours. If somebody needs some water just let them fill up a jug at their house.”

Purves said the cause of the breaks is likely fluctuations in temperatures. She noted the past week has been bitterly cold, but before that temperatures were quite moderate.

Hudson Bay is not the only community in the northeast dealing with water main breaks.

The City of Melfort has had several since Christmas and Humboldt’s community newsletter for February said there were five breaks in January, including at least one “severe” break, and another in February.

The newsletter says “It was determined that 2023 will be a significant watermain replacement year.”

All the breaks in Humboldt and Melfort have been repaired.

doug.lett@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @DougLettSK