CARMACKS, Yukon — Frigid weather that has played havoc with seasonal travel plans in many other parts of Canada is now causing problems in Yukon.
A portion of a wastewater treatment facility in the Village of Carmacks, about 200 kilometres north of Whitehorse, has failed as extreme cold warnings remain in place for much of the territory.
A boil water advisory has been issued for residents of the village and Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation who use private wells.
It's a precautionary measure after raw sewage was released into the Yukon River when temperatures hovering at -40 C caused a malfunction at the wastewater plant.
A statement from the Yukon government says affected residents should bring water to a rolling boil for two minutes before using it for washing dishes, drinking, cleaning or preparing any type of food, making ice or brushing teeth.
Environment Canada says the bitterly cold temperatures and wind chill values nudging minus 50 won't ease until at least Sunday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2022.
The Canadian Press
