Update from Walpole Island First Nation: “Hydro One has now advised that power restoration may not occur until approximately 5 p.m. As a result, Walpole Island First Nation offices will remain closed for the remainder of the day.
Please note the following:
– BCC and BK remain closed for the full day today.
– The Governance Building and the Warming Shelter, are operating as warming zones for community members who may need a place to come in and warm up during the outage.
Chi-miigwech to those staff who are supporting the community during this time. Regular operations will resume on Monday, March 16, 2026.”
Update from the OPP: “Walpole Island Police Service would like to advise the motoring public that Hydro One crews will be working to repair a hydro pole in the area of the Walpole Island Bridge. Crews are expected to remain on scene until late this evening, and motorists may encounter workers and equipment in the area.
Drivers are reminded to slow down, remain alert, and proceed with caution while travelling through the work zone. Your patience and attention help keep workers and other road users safe. Please follow posted signage and any direction from workers or emergency personnel in the area.”
A power outage affecting thousands of Hydro One customers Friday morning, March 13, 2026 forced the closure of offices and a school in Walpole Island First Nation.
In a statement, Walpole Island First Nation said the outage disrupted several community facilities early in the day.
“Due to the power outage affecting the entire Walpole Island community, many WIFN facilities experienced disruptions this morning. Current information indicates that power restoration is expected between approximately 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. To allow time for services and systems to fully restore, WIFN offices will remain closed until 1 p.m. today.”
The outage also prompted the closure of Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig for the day.
“BK/AK Closed due to Power Outage – Friday, March 13. It’s an early start to the March Break!” the school said in a message to the community.
According to Hydro One, 3,858 customers from Walpole Island north to Mooretown were without electricity Friday morning.
The utility said a crew was working in the Walpole Island area and the cause of the outage was still under investigation.
Hydro One estimated power restoration on Walpole Island at about 10:45 a.m., while customers in the Port Lambton area could see power restored around 11:15 a.m.
The estimated restoration time for areas from Wilkesport to Mooretown was about 12:15 p.m. Friday.
Updates will be posted to the Hydro One outage map, here.
A special weather statement is in place for the area, with westerly or southwesterly winds gusts expected between 70 to 90 km/h.
