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News Briefs: Friday, May 17, 2013
Spill test results in
Test results from Baker Creek following an unspecified amount of water spilled from a nearby quarry on May 4 have been released.
On May 4 at 9:50 p.m., roughly the time the leak was detected, arsenic levels in the creek were 0.168 milligrams per litre. The maximum amount of arsenic measured was 0.391 mg per litre at about 2:30 p.m. on May 6. Under the existing water licence for the mine, up to 0.5 mg per litre of water is allowed, a threshold that was not reached during this spill.
However, it is above the drinking water standard in Canada, which is 0.025 mg of arsenic per litre of water.
- Laura Busch
Household hazardous waste day tomorrow
Residents are invited to drop off household hazardous waste items tomorrow at the Yellowknife Solid Waste Facility.
The collection period runs from noon to 4 p.m. Items that will be accepted include fuels, solvents, oil, household cleaners, propane tanks, batteries, aerosol cans, paint, e-waste, thermostats and fluorescent bulbs.
- Miranda Scotland
Stanton CEO to retire
Kay Lewis, chief executive officer of the Stanton Territorial Health Authority, is planning to retire in September, according to the Department of Health and Social Services.
Lewis has held the position since January 2009 after a year and a half as chief executive officer of Yellowknife Health and Social Services. The competition for a new CEO is open until May 31.
- Lyndsay Herman
City hours change
City hall is switching to summer hours on May 21.
City hall will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Times are expected to return to winter hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday to Friday, beginning on Aug. 30. The Yellowknife Public Library switched to summer hours on May 5, and is no longer open on Sundays until Sept. 29.
- Lyndsay Herman.
News Briefs: Thursday, May 16, 2013
Start date for Liard River ferry still undetermined
As the long weekend approaches, motorists will have to wait to find out if they can utilize the Liard River ferry crossing.
As of May 14, Daniel Quevillon, the regional superintendent of the Department of Transportation for the Deh Cho, said he couldn't estimate when the ferry would open. Work has begun to clear some of the ice off of the ferry landing and approaches, said Quevillon.
The Department of Transportation was waiting for the ice on the Mackenzie River upstream of Fort Simpson to break because it normally causes the water levels in the Liard River to rise. That rise is used to clear the remaining ice, he said.
Quevillon said the MV Lafferty is ready to be launched as soon as conditions allow.
Territorial park openings delayed
As a result of excessive snow and prolonged cold weather, two territorial parks in the Deh Cho will not open in time for the long weekend.
Territorial parks normally open on May 15. For the safety and enjoyment of campers, both Blackstone and Fort Simpson territorial parks won't open until May 24, said Alayna Ward, the manager of public affairs and communications with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park will open on May 17 in time for the long weekend. Campers could still experience snowy and muddy conditions at the park, Ward said.
Garden society prepares for summer
The Fort Simpson Community Garden Society will be holding its annual general meeting on May 16.
The meeting will take place at the recreation centre beginning at 7 p.m. Topics will include the election of the executive and board members as well an opportunity to generate ideas for this year's garden. The garden located by the arbor is in its third year. There are also satellite garden locations in the subdivisions of Wild Rose Acres and Four Mile.
Highway 7 expected to reopen
Highway 7, the Liard Highway, closed on the evening of May 14 between the Fort Liard turnoff and Checkpoint due to a washout at kilometre 211, according to the Department of Transportation.
The highway is expected to reopen to traffic using a temporary bridge today, May 16. The department requests the public check road bulletin information before travelling.
55-year-old man hospitalized
An Inuvik man has been charged with aggravated assault following a May 8 incident.
Inuvik RCMP arrested and charged the man after a 55-year-old Inuvik man was assaulted. The victim, who has not been identified, is still hospitalized in Alberta in critical condition with a skull fracture after being involved in a physical confrontation outside the CIBC.
Benjamin Mitchell, 34, has been charged with aggravated assault. He will be held in custody after being denied bail May 14 in Inuvik territorial court. His next appearance is to be via video link in Yellowknife territorial court on May 21 at
1:30 p.m. The matter is still under investigation.
Taxi driver charged
Two Inuvik taxi drivers have run afoul of the municipal bylaw department and the Department of Transportation, according to the hamlet bylaw office and senior administrative officer Grant Hood.
One cabbie has been charged with a municipal offence relating to driving while not having care and consideration for others. Town officials wouldn't comment because the matter is before the courts and did not make available the date of the offence. A second driver has had his licence suspended due to medical issues.
Mayor loses out
Inuvik Mayor Floyd Roland lost a bid to be elected the leader of the Northwest Territories Association of Communities.
Roland challenged incumbent president Merven Gruben, mayor of Tuktoyaktuk, for the position on May 11, but lost the vote.
The association held its annual general meeting from May 8 to 13.
Ice crossings close
The ice crossing at Tsiigehtchic over the Mackenzie River to the south of Inuvik is now closed for the season, according to the Department of Transportation.
It closed the crossing on May 12 at noon. The Peel River crossing near Fort McPherson is scheduled to close on May 16.
Prices locally are expected to spike later this week, according to staff at Arctic Foods.
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News desk 
