 | Home page |  | Text size |
Friday, May 13, 2016
Airlines to codeshare on flights to Ottawa
Air North and First Air have announced the airlines will codeshare on flights between Ottawa, Yellowknife and Whitehorse. The flights are currently operated by Air North. Through codesharing, passengers can now buy a ticket from either airline for selected flights operated by both. The flight northwest leaves Ottawa on Monday and Friday mornings while the return flights leave Yellowknife on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Between mid-June and mid-September, there will be a third flight to Ottawa on Tuesdays with a return flight on Wednesdays.
- John McFadden
No word on new NWT commissioner
The process that is used to select a new commissioner for the NWT is currently under review and there is no word on exactly when a new commissioner will be named.
That is according to a spokesperson for the Privy Council in Ottawa. Regiene Beauplan said the federal government is taking a look at how the commissioner is chosen.
Previous commissioner George Tuccaro retired on Tuesday meaning deputy commissioner Gerald Kisoun is now the acting commissioner.
- John McFadden
City seeks input on 'small houses'
The City of Yellowknife wants the public's opinions on the growing trend of "small houses." They are defined as homes of 300 square feet or less. The city is seeking input through an online survey, according to a news release. In response to residents' interest in diverse housing options, the city is exploring the viability of a residential small home zoning designation.
- John McFadden
Residents reminded to sweep their sidewalks
The city is reminding residents that for public safety reasons, their spring cleaning must include any public sidewalk that runs alongside their home. Under a city bylaw, residents have until Sunday to clear their sidewalks of debris. The bylaw states the city will inspect the sidewalks and that if they have not been cleaned, a notice may be issued compelling the occupant to clear them. Under the bylaw, if the sidewalk has to be cleaned by the city, the homeowner can be charged for the cost of the work.
- John McFadden
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Moose still lingering
A pregnant cow moose in Fort Simpson distinguished by her hide, turned white by ticks, has made the bush by the papal grounds her temporary home.
On May 9, Carl Lafferty, regional superintendent for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said the moose had lain down in the bush the previous day and was suspected to be giving birth.
The department erected signs in the area warning curious passers-by to use caution and not to approach the moose.
The signs say the tick-infested moose has been approaching people.
Anyone who sees it should leave the area and call the department.
Ferry off to an early start
The MV Lafferty ferry pushed off from Fort Simpson the afternoon of May 9.
The ferry is expected to run on-schedule as usual, from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. each day.
Track and field season kicks off
Students at Bompas Elementary School who are in classes 2 to 6 have outdoor track and field practices each Monday, Wednesday and Friday after school.
An e-mail sent out to parents on May 6 notes all students who want to join the team must attend all or most practises in order to qualify for track and field championships, which will take place in Hay River from June 1 to 3.
Senator goes independent
NWT Sen. Nick Sibbeston announced he would be leaving the Liberal caucus in the Senate to sit as an independent on May 5.
In a news release, Sibbeston says the step is a logical one and in line with Premier Justin Trudeau's intention to make the Senate more independent.
Sibbeston has less than three years left in his term as senator.
Reality TV hits Liard
Producer Mary Caroline Cox and Pike Mike, from the Ice Lake Rebels reality show, are bringing their television expertise to Fort Liard from May 12 to 15 in the form of a workshop.
The workshop kicks off May 12 at 7 p.m. at the hamlet boardroom and will teach the ins and outs of creating digital media, as well as roles of a TV crew.
The event is for ages 12 and up, including adults, and will involve developing a story and shooting a reality TV segment in Fort Liard.
Firefighters called away from ball
In an ironic twist of events, firefighters were summoned to respond to a call during the Firefighters' Ball on May 7.
While they returned less than an hour later, the call was in response to children who had started a fire under the Inuvik Community Corporation building on Mackenzie Road. No significant damage was done, said Fire Chief Jim Sawkins.
When the firefighters returned, once again dressed in their finery, the evening continued with a performance by a magician, food and much dancing.
The event raised nearly $2,000 for local groups including the Inuvik Youth Centre and the food bank.
Dates announced for Arctic Image Festival
The dates for the Arctic Image Festival have been announced.
The event will take place June 3 through 5, and the deadline for submissions is at 4 p.m. June 1.
There will be contests for professional as well as amateur photographers, as well as workshops with visiting photographers.
Everything will take place at the Midnight Sun Complex. Anyone looking for more information is encouraged to find the festival online or on Facebook.
Nominations open for Gwich'in leaders
The writ has dropped for the upcoming Gwich'in Tribal Council election on June 27.
While nominees have yet to announce their candidacy, voters are being given a new option to cast their ballots this time.
A notice from the tribal council states that each participant – in the Gwich'in Settlement Area and outside of it – will be or has been sent a letter with a unique code and instructions on how to vote online.
Furthermore, polling stations with computers and a person on hand to assist will be set up in each of the four settlement area communities to make sure people without Internet can still vote.
All registered participants are asked to confirm their mailing address before May 13.
Vertical integration
The Inuvik Community Greenhouse will be hosting a presentation at the Inuvik Centennial Library about Zipgrow towers from 6 to 8 p.m. May 12.
The towers allow people to grow food on a vertical surface year-round in their own homes. Anyone interested in agriculture in the Arctic is invited to the free presentation with proponent Eric Amyot.
| 
