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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Fort Simpson’s shoreline is shrinking and the government needs to take action before the village loses some of its most important infrastructure to the river, says Mayor Sean Whelly.

In the coming years, the village will need the help of the federal and territorial governments to finance a solution for this problem, he added.

"It’s of a scope and size that’s beyond us," Whelly said. "We are just not capable of addressing the issue on our own."

The village brought the topic to Finance Minister Michael Miltenberger Sept. 19 at the GNWT budget meeting. Miltenberger said he was aware of the situation and would be talking to the minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) about the issue.

"We made a note about it," he said, adding he understood the seriousness of the situation because his community of Fort Smith faces the same problem.

Fort Simpson’s situation is especially concerning, Whelly said, given the critical infrastructure located just metres from the riverbank – the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the water treatment plant as well as the village’s water intake pipe.

"So any sections of bank that get taken out along there, it cuts off the whole village water system and we don’t want to scare the village but everyone is sort of aware," Whelly said. "It's just one of those things that’s always in the background and we have to sort of start tackling it at some point in time."

Sebastien Goyer, senior administrative officer for Fort Simpson, said the village has commissioned an engineering report on the state of the bank.

"Once the report's in we’re really going to have the proper data supporting our case. Then we can make a business case to the federal and territorial government saying 'Listen, guys, the fact is, this is the situation as it is right now'," Goyer said.

There are a number of options the village has been reviewing to combat the erosion. Goyer said it has considered shutting down Mackenzie Drive from 100 Avenue to Marc Andre Avenue and allowing only local traffic through, as well as planting deep root trees to help stabilize the banks.

Nonetheless, Goyer said there is no reason for residents to be alarmed.

"Right now there is no panic to be panicked about, it's normal bank erosion that happens on every island," he said, adding it feels good to know Miltenberger is aware of the situation. "He can’t play ostrich and put his head in the sand."

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