Plans to repair the backup transmission lines through Portage and Long Plain First Nation's urban reserve property have been put on hold.

Chief Dennis Meeches explains it's about valuable land that would disable community housing expansion if not done properly.

"With the winter storm that we had back in October, I guess the integrity of those hydro towers was compromised. I think one was actually knocked down. There are three of them that are located on Keeshkeemaquah," explains Meeches. "There have been some longstanding issues related to that particular line with Long Plain First Nation. They go back quite some time."

He notes an agreement about the three towers was not yet made, and Manitoba Hydro has since temporarily relocated them. Meeches says the First Nation is waiting on MB Hydro who may come back requesting a reroute through their property.

"Because of the storm, one collapsed, and the integrity of the other ones was compromised," says Meeches. "In some ways, that winter storm was a blessing."

Meeches adds the line came across the location of the newly-built Microtel and on into the Keeshkeemaquah residential area.

The route through into the residential property