Residents of Kimmirut are breathing a huge sigh of relief as power has been restored after nearly four full days without.

A release on Sunday afternoon stated that Qulliq Energy Corp. was able to get things back online earlier in the day, but it will still take some time to get everything turned back on.

Territorial government buildings are being run on backup power to take stress off of the power grid and it was announced that GN buildings, as well as Qaqqalik School, which was being used as a warming centre and de facto cafeteria to help feed the community, will be closed on Monday. The school was closed following dinner service on Sunday.

Because of the amount of work that needs to be done, the GN stated that a number of crews will still be brought in to make sure everything is restored to normal.

This all began on Oct. 31 when the entire power grid in the community went out. Qulliq Energy Corp. reported a total outage and when power stayed out for a second consecutive day on Nov. 1, Community and Government Services (CGS) Minister David Joanasie announced a state of emergency for the community on Saturday under the territory's Emergency Measures Act. 

There was a limited backup power supply at Qaqqalik School, which became a warming centre for the community. The water treatment plant, health centre and airport were also working on generators.

Air charters had been arranged to speed up the transportation of equipment and staff to the community. The Departments of CGS, Health, Education, Economic Development and Transportation, along with the Nunavut Housing Corporation and Qulliq are also working with corporate partners to try and build up a stable amount of supplies for Qaqqalik School.

The school's kitchen was providing meals to residents from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and again in the evenings with dinner service starting around 6 p.m. It was also being used as a place to sleep for those who wanted to stay. 

Services at the community's health centre have been reduced because of the situation, according to the Department of Health. Only emergencies were being seen.

A boil water advisory is still in effect for the community until further notice.

If residents end up with frozen pipes in their homes, they're being asked to contact their landlord. The Nunavut Housing Corporation was bringing in additional resources to assess its own assets.