Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Jan 06/06) - A white Christmas will be the highlight of the year for the Hillaby family.

As recent arrivals to Fort Simpson from Nova Scotia, they haven't had snow at Christmas for about 10 years, said Janice Hillaby.

Having a white Christmas is the highlight of the year for Kaley, left, Janice and Kirk Hillaby who went sledding to enjoy the snow. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The Hillabys are just some of the people in the community who agree, for different reasons, that 2005 was a good year.

"It's been a year of good changes for us," said Hillaby, whose husband Andrew is the new recreation co-ordinator for the town.

Some residents have creative answers for what made their year a success.

"It was a good year because I didn't break any bones or damage any vehicles," said Connie McNab.

McNab wasn't as lucky in 2004 when a car rolled over her ankle causing it to break. Five days later a deer hit the front of her van resulting in $5,000 in damages.

Debra Chemerys judges it's been a good year because of the fair weather. The year has also been good for Ruby Ryan who said it went by quickly.

Nancy Janke agrees.

"It went quick," said Janke.

She looks forward to spending lots of time with her daughters Erika and Robyn in the new year.

Mayor Raymond Michaud thinks it's been a positive year for the village as a whole.

"I think the year went rather well," said Michaud.

Toping his list of highlights was the unexpected $1.2 million from the Community Capacity Building Fund. Chipsealing some of the roads that weren't slated for work and finishing the year without a deficit are also bright spots, said Michaud.

His long list of goals for 2006 include deciding what to do with the $1.2 million, chipsealing more roads and making the village office wheelchair accessible. He'd also like to settle the argument of Fort Simpson's status as a village versus a hamlet and start the plans for the addition to the fire hall.

For some people the year has been a work in progress towards a good finish.

"It ended on a very good note," said Paul Guyot who is looking forward to spending time in the bush with his son.

"It got better as the year went," said Andrew Gaule.

From a business point of view, there is a bit more optimism for the community, Gaule said. The pipeline hearings have helped, but he would like to see some certainty on the project in 2006.

"I'd like to see some agreements between the First Nations and the pipeline group," said Gaule.

At the Deh Cho Business Development Centre, Sean Whelly is also feeling optimistic.

"I've started feeling like there is a good future for Fort Simpson," he said.

"I'm looking forward to the pipeline announcement and more local people getting into business as well."

The year has had it's share of difficult moments. The community lost a number of people over the year, David Walsh noted.

But he has also noticed the positive, with the last three holes at the Seven Spruce opening to make it a legitimate nine hole golf course.

"It was a good year," said Chris Cli who'd like to see more of the same continue into the new year.