Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 07/99) - The threat of a shutdown of essential services at the millennium due to the Y2K computer bug is a concern the world over.

But according to city clerk Tim Mercer, municipal officials will have completed tests of their computer systems by July 31 in anticipation of the dreaded Y2K computer bug.

Speaking at a presentation sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association at the library Tuesday, Mercer outlined a series of testing and remediation systems and contingency planning in preparation for any possible computer glitches that might surface starting next New Year's Day.

"We are 60 per cent ready right now, and plan to have finished testing our computers by the end of July," said Mercer.

"Additionally, we will have emergency shelters established by November or December in the unlikely event of a complete failure of the power grid."

The concern over the Y2K crisis has not been taken lightly by city hall. A systems test conducted in 13 Ontario cities of their computer- monitored water pumping stations revealed a serious cause for alarm.

When the computer's internal clocks were rolled forward to 00 (computers only read the last two digits of the year), the monitoring system that regulates the amount of chlorine in the water assumed that none had been added since 1900.

In a real-case scenario the entire supply of chlorine would have been emptied into water reservoirs, rendering it unsuitable for human consumption.

For Kathryn Younblut, president of the CHMA, the panic and stress that might occur as a result of the Y2K problem is a real concern for her organization.

"We are operating a help line to assist people in finding shelter in case it is needed, and to just offer a little assurance and support."

In any event, if widespread computer malfunctions do occur as a result of the Y2K bug, Yellowknife is in a better position to deal with it than most other Canadian cities, according to Mercer.

"Our power grid is more self-contained than in other cities like Edmonton or Calgary where it is spread out to the outlying municipalities. Also, as a Northern town we are used to harsh winter living conditions. Our self-reliant lifestyle should help in case there are lengthy power outages."

Mercer promises to update the public on any progress and preparations made by the city contingency and planning committee as the new millennium draws closer.