The Merv Hardie Ferry plows through ice pans breaking down the Mackenzie River last June. Yellowknifers are again in the "watch the river" season when the city gets cut off from the world... at least by land. - Chris Woodall/NNSL photo

Brent Reaney
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 13/05) - The Fort Providence ice bridge is scheduled to close tomorrow, but there should be no repeat of last year's near gas shortage, retailers say.

As of today, Co-op manager Ben Walker says the gas bar has secured about a six-week supply - more than has ever been needed in past years.

"It's better to be safe than sorry," said Walker.

With another tractor trailer scheduled to arrive yesterday, the gas bar's tanks will have about 350,000 litres, or be nearly full. A contract to purchase another 600,000 litres has also been signed.

But Walker says the Co-op may still run out of high-octane fuel.

Wink's ran out of premium gas last year, but the store's new owner is prepared for about five weeks without a fuel delivery.

Stockpiling the extra gas strains his cash flow, but Abdullah Al Mahamud does not expect to raise prices.

"We try to minimize the price," said Al Mahamud. "The customer is going to get the same service."

Fresh goods, such as sandwiches will be flown in to Wink's at an extra cost, but prices are expected to remain the same.

As for groceries, managers at Extra Foods and Wal-Mart say they have brought in enough tractor trailer loads to meet customer demand.

Retailers will be utilizing RTL transport's system of helicopter-flown pallet transfer across the Mackenzie River for fresh goods.