A spokesperson for Manitoba Hydro warns residents living around Ile des Chenes that a series of blasts will be heard this Saturday and Sunday.

Bruce Owen says Manitoba Hydro is building a new distribution centre along Provincial Road 405. Completion of this work requires the use of implode connectors. These connectors consist of a small energy charge which implodes to join together lengths of line. The split-second detonation creates a flash and a bang similar to a large firework.

Owen says there may be as many as ten blasts over the course of the two days. The work will be done between 9am and 3pm in order to avoid elevated noise during busy traffic periods and morning or evening quiet times.

Prior to the blast, an air horn will sound three times to warn of an imminent implosion. Then ten seconds after the final sound of the air horn, the blast will be heard. The air horn is expected to sound once more after the detonation, indicating the area is safe and clear for workers to approach. Traffic along PR 405 will be temporarily stopped during the detonation process.

Manitoba Hydro says a public notification was mailed previously to local residents, indicating the implosions would be complete by mid-October. However, changes were required to accommodate work schedules.

The implode connectors will be used on the south side of Provincial Road 405, approximately half a mile east of Highway 59.

Owen says the new Ile des Chenes distribution supply centre will meet increasing demand for electricity in the Ile des Chenes and Grande Pointe areas. He notes with the southeast experiencing faster growth than other areas of the province, there is more demand. The new distribution supply centre allows Manitoba Hydro to supply a more regular higher voltage in a more reliable fashion.