Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Friday, February 2, 2007

FORT SIMPSON - Fort Simpson village council may consider distancing themselves from the NWT Power Corporation in its move to make the community more energy efficient.

Part of an energy plan currently under development may include greater autonomy from the NWT Power Corporation, according to mayor Duncan Canvin.

"There's a dragon that has to be slain," said Canvin during the meeting in reference to the company.

The village's 1997 plan lists working with the Power Corporation as one of the village's goals but the company hasn't made any efforts to show they are conscious of costs or trying to get the best value for the customers. The company needs to have more of a vision, said Canvin.

"Either they have to change or be left behind," he said.

On Jan. 24 the village held a meeting to establish a committee to create a feasible energy plan.

The village is revisiting the idea of an energy plan because it's one of the requirements from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) that the village has to meet in order to continue to receive their gas tax money, said Canvin.

Council held the public meeting to look for community input and volunteers for the committee.

"The council wants to engage as many people as possible," said Coun. Tom Wilson.

Committee members now include Coun. Wilson, Coun. Lynn Wharton, Coun. Diedre Cazon, Wilson Dimsdale and Ann Ronald. The committee will be charged with looking at the village's current energy plan from 1997, deciding how relevant it is and making changes, said Canvin.

"I'd like to see this committee strike something novel that fits Fort Simpson," he said.

The village is not out to invent new technology, but there is lots available that the community can use to become more energy efficient and conscious, said Canvin.

"I'm hoping realistic goals can be achieved," he said.

Any energy savings will be beneficial to village residents, Wilson pointed out.

"If we can reduce the power bills that's money in everyone's pocket," said Wilson.

No matter what the new energy plan entails, public support will be crucial, said Canvin.

"The residents of Fort Simpson have to own this plan," said Canvin.