Fort Simpson (Apr 14/06) - A new map of Fort Simpson is set to help the RCMP and volunteer fire and ambulance department respond to emergencies in the village.

Fort Simpson mayor Duncan Canvin, left, points out features on the new emergency response map, while Const. Colin Allooloo, Sgt. Cliff McKay and Coun. Olinto Beaulieu look on. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The emergency response preparedness map is the first comprehensive map of Fort Simpson, complete with house numbers, said Susan Coyne, a planning and lands technician with MACA.

The mapping initiative was started by RCMP Const. Colin Allooloo.

When Allooloo moved to the village in November 2004, he noticed there was a street naming system similar to Edmonton, but not every house had a number.

Despite looking for a map with the house numbers labelled, all that was available were bits and pieces of maps, said Allooloo. Last November he approached MACA to ask for support with the logistical work on a complete map because the department has access to AutoCAD and a large printer.

Most of the work was done last summer by two students the RCMP hired to collect house numbers for a database, said Coyne.

She input those numbers, along with the information from maps Allooloo found, onto one single map.

Sgt. Cliff McKay said the map will be a valuable tool for the RCMP because new staff members are often unsure where people live. Also, any after hours calls go through a dispatch in Yellowknife, so exact physical locations are important.

McKay encourages all residents to make note of their address.

A comprehensive map has been a long time coming, said volunteer fire chief Pat Rowe.

When people phone the fire department they often give their location in reference other people's houses. This makes response difficult because people are always moving, said Rowe.

Currently, if someone calls from the island, responders run through a series of questions starting with, "Where do you live in relation to the liquor store", to narrow down the location, said Rowe. The process slows down response time, he said.

"I think it will work really well," said Rowe about the map.

Rowe plans to post a laminated copy of the map in the fire hall and will use it to mark fire locations.

The next major step in the project will be getting people engaged so they post house numbers, said Mayor Duncan Canvin. A village bylaw states that all houses must be numbered.

Final details on the map are still being finalized before it will be unveiled to the public.