The hamlet of Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, has lifted the state of emergency it declared last week amid a prolonged power outage and severe weather conditions.

In a notice Thursday, the hamlet said “conditions have improved” in the small community of about 1,500 people.

The state of emergency was declared on April 9, a day after the power outage began for many residents. Power was restored to all customers over the weekend, according to Qulliq Energy, but some residents said they were still struggling with lingering effects such as damaged plumbing.

The hamlet said Thursday that work is continuing with emergency officials, “as response and recovery efforts continue.” It said supports for residents remain in place.

A warming centre at the high school has been open during the day, and officials were asking people to take in other residents who may be experiencing frozen pipes. 

Mayor Raymond Quqshuun Sr. acknowledges it was a trying time for residents, but he believes the municipal and government response went well, given the community was hit by sustained blizzards.

“I’m very proud of them, they tried their best. I think everybody responded well, finding shelters, warming places in the community,” he said.