Fort Simpson (Feb 06/06) - Elections could happen as early as March 6 in Fort Simpson after the territorial government dissolved village council following a war of words with the volunteer fire department.

Power Struggle Jan. 24 -- Fire chief Pat Rowe resigns over a purchase order for snow removal was questioned. Deputy Chief Roger Pillilng also resigns. Jan. 26 -- All remaining members of the Fort Simpson volunteer fire department resign. Jan. 27 -- Village councillors Owen Rowe, Norm Prevost, Kim Squires and Betty Hardisty as well as senior administrative officer Bernice Swanson resign. -- That same day negotiations led by RCMP Cpl. Al Shepherd break off after Mayor Raymond Michaud refuses to resign. Jan. 29 -- NWT Fire Marshal Bernie Van Tighem sent to Fort Simpson to provide interim leadership for the fire department. Jan. 30 -- Four remaining members of council vote to remove the mayor from office: "Council declares the actions of the mayor constituted an imminent and serious danger to the community." - Yellowknife firefighter Mike Lowing sent to Fort Simpson to take over fire department operations on a temporary basis. Jan. 31 -- MACA Minister Michael McLeod dissolves village council and appoints deputy minister Debbie Delancey as administrator.

Debbie Delancey, the deputy minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, took over administration of the village on Jan. 31.

On Feb. 6 Gary Black will arrive in Fort Simpson to fill the position of municipal administrator.

Black, a retired GNWT senior manager, once lived in Fort Simpson and served as both mayor and deputy mayor. He also volunteered with the fire department. Black will work as the administrator until March 17.

The decision to dissolve council was made after meetings on the weekend made it apparent that council could no longer operate effectively, said Delancey.

"It's not MACA's intention or desire to be running the affairs of Fort Simpson."

MACA stepped in after wording of a memo about a purchase order for snow removal led to the resignation of the village's entire volunteer fire department and four members of council.

Pat Rowe, volunteer fire chief for 13 years and a member of the department for 23 years, resigned on Jan. 24, saying the memo showed a lack of confidence in him.

Deputy fire chief Roger Pilling, a 17-year volunteer, also submitted his resignation that day.

"The only reason I resigned was to get some action," Pilling said during one of several emergency council meetings.

In the days that followed, emergency council meetings and negotiations led by the RCMP Cpl. Al Shepherd officer were unable to reach an agreement.

"In 25 years this is the worst thing I've had to deal with in the village," said former Coun. Norm Prevost.

Negotiations stalled Jan. 27 when Mayor Raymond Michaud refused to resign.

"I'm extremely concerned, that's why I'm remaining as mayor," said Michaud, despite an earlier suggestion that he would step aside if his resignation was guaranteed to bring the fire department back.

During the dispute, members of the community were concerned about the safety of the town's residents and buildings.

"You don't sleep very good when you don't have someone there if something happens," said Rita Cazon, a resident of Fort Simpson, at one of the emergency meetings.

"It's torn this community apart."

Former deputy mayor Bob Hanna said the situation caught the council unprepared.

"We've all taken the fire department for granted. We got caught with our pants down which is what this amounts to," said Hanna.

Progress has also been made to ensure Fort Simpson has continued fire coverage.

Pat Rowe resumed command of the volunteer fire department on Feb. 2. Pilling rejoined the department on Feb. 3.

"I'm cautiously optimistic," said Delancey about the progress in Fort Simpson.