ENMAX sets optimistic timeline for downtown power restoration to mid Thursday

The mayor has ruled out zombies and aliens as the cause of the blackout in downtown Calgary, Naheed Nenshi attempted to lift the mood in the latest update on the ongoing power outage Monday morning.

Over 100 buildings in the downtown core have been in the dark since Saturday night when a fire broke out underground, completely destroying the electrical system and sending flames shooting out of a manhole.

If everything goes according to plan, ENMAX says they hope to get power back on by mid Thursday. Original estimates placed that timeline sometime between Wednesday and Saturday evening.

It’s still unknown what caused the fire and crews have not ruled anything out.

ENMAX says 3.5 kilometres of cable has been pulled out of affected manhole and will be replaced.

Workers in downtown outage area advised to stay out of the office until further notice

As crews work to get power completely restored in the downtown core, businesses and employees in the affected area are being told to stay home for the next few days.

With an estimated 2,000 businesses and around 10,000 employees affected, those who work in or near the area are advised to contact their bosses.

Scott Crockatt with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce said even though some sections of downtown are fine, others must stay clear.

There are currently power outages between 5th Street SW and 11 Street SW and 4th Avenue SW and 7th Avenue SW.

“There’s going to be no power in these buildings, there’s going to be no lights, the elevators are likely not working, there could be some safety risks and so it’s just in everyone’s best interest if people are able to work from home or make other arrangements,” he said.

Businesses with perishable food items, such as restaurants, should be making arrangements as well to deal with those items.

As for financial impact, Crockatt said it’s too soon to say how much it will be.

“Many of those businesses won’t be able to open up, at least regularly, in the coming days, I think it will be a few days before we know exactly how long this outage is going to last and what the total financial impact is going to be,” he said.

Fortunately, transit is running normally and road closures have shrunk.

Crockatt also said they are taking a chapter out of the June 2013 flood playbook.

“What we’re saying to a lot of businesses is the emergency plan that you developed, either during the flood or following the flood, now is the time to implement that, so this situation has many similarities,” he said.

No quick fix for downtown power outage

Any residents unable to find shelter are able check in at the Mewata Armoury on 11th Street southwest, where the city’s information centre is set up.

In the latest update from the city, the Armoury will not be staffed Monday night.

The Eau Claire YMCA is also offering free services for residents in the outage zone.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi said there is some good news in terms of road closures.

“I’m happy to say that the road closures have shrunk,” Nenshi said. “We’ve been able to re-open large sections of downtown. What remains closed is really down to the block around the fire itself.”

That includes 5th and 6th Avenues, between 7th and 9th street, and 8th Street between 4th and 6th Avenue SW.

Transit is also running as per usual.

Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc, director of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, said there has been one injury reported. An ATCO worker was in the area of the original fire.

“The only injury was to a worker nearby … That individual was transported to hospital for minor burns.” Uzeloc said.

He said there is a concern with people leaving cars running in parking garages or running barbecue’s in under ventilated areas.

A couple of buildings were been evacuated Sunday in the blackout area because of unsafe levels of CO2., including the Western Building at 6th Avenue and 9th Street sw.

For City of Calgary updates, click here.

For Alberta Emergency Alerts, click here.

Canada Post is advising of some service changes because of the downtown power outage.

For those who pick up their mail at the post offices on 5th or 8th Avenues S.W., they can pick up deliveries across from Chinook Mall at 200 – 6100 Macleod Trail S.W.

For residents and businesses receiving mail directly to their building, it is suspended until power is restored.

For the time being, customers can go to the facility at 1100 49 Avenue N.E. to pick anything up.

People are being urged to call Canada Post at 1-866-607-6301 if they have any questions.

“These things are sent to test us”

Premier Jim Prentice spent time at the Mewata Armoury Monday afternoon, chatting with displaced Calgarians as they sort out alternate accommodations.

“We’ve had more than our share of bad luck, but these things are sent to test us and you know, the community spirit of Calgary–no one can stop that, so we’ll be fine,” said Prentice.

The Premier mentioned he has been working closely with Naheed Nenshi and will continue to do so for the remainder of the week to work out financial impacts.

“The focus right now is on people who are out of their homes and making sure people are safe. In particular the vulnerable people are being taken care of,” Nenshi said.

Prentice adds he wants the people to know the government is there supporting them, doing everything it can to back up the city.

Kent Hehr, MLA of Calgary-Buffalo, also dropped by the centre, sharing in people’s discomfort.

“In all the craziness, I had to find myself accommodations too, so it is what it is. We’re all coming together and hopefully we’re going to make it through this,” he said.

Hehr says while he’s an opposition MLA, he’s impressed with the response.

“It sounds like I’m complaining all the time, but hey, I am thankful for being born in this great city 44 years ago and I think everyone finds that who comes here, who is going through hard times and that this is truly a great place to live,” boasted Hehr. “We all understand that everybody has difficulties time to time and seeing the role of government step up to assist people, well it’s an amazing thing.”