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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Residents of Yellowknife won't have to wait much longer for the ferry to start up, according to those who keep a close watch on the Mackenzie River.

Dave Wilkes, general manager at the Big River Service Centre near Fort Providence, said he believes the ferry will be up and running as early as this weekend.

George Decoine and Gohtsi Lafferty make a quick stop at the downtown Extra Foods store on May 5. Food' shelves could be a little fuller as early as next week if the ferry across the Mackenzie River begins operations for the summer. - Katherine Roth/NNSL photo

"I'm looking out the back window right now and the river is wide open," he said on Tuesday. "There are still some big sheets of ice, but I think the ferry could be starting up as soon as Mother's Day."

He added although it is just an estimation, it is something that is discussed among the employees at the service station, and everyone seems to agree.

"We've all been kicking the idea around, and we think it's time to prepare for the influx of people who come through here as soon as it opens up," he said.

Guessing the open date for the ferry is not something Earl Blacklock, manager of communications with the Department of Transportation, wants to do. Instead, he said it is probably the best idea to look at when it has opened historically, as it is safe to say it will probably be within that time frame.

The prospect of an early opening comes as great news for grocery store managers who must be proactive each year in ensuring that food supplies remain sufficient. Ben Walker, general manager at the Yellowknife Direct Co-op, said he is used to facing the challenge every spring and fall, but he always looks forward to the time that the ferry starts running again. After more than six years at the Co-op, Walker said compared to other stores in the area, he has been able to ensure his store always maintains a good inventory for customers.

"We stay in good shape, and it helps us bring in business at this time of year," he said. He added although he thinks the Deh Cho Bridge will not be open for a couple seasons, it is something that he looks forward to as well.

"Compensating for the break-up season is something that I've gotten used to, but it will definitely be convenient when the bridge opens," he said. "I won't have to make very many adjustments. It will just make things easier."

Low stock of staple food items is something shoppers definitely notice at this time of year, but residents like George Decoine have become used to it.

"It is something that happens every year, and after a while it's just something you get used to," he said. "But we definitely notice that we can't get all the things we want."

An employee at Extra Foods said he was unable to speak about stock issues prevalent at Yellowknife locations during the break up.

Historically, the Merv Hardie ferry opens within the first two weeks of May. Its latest opening in the last 15 years was on May 22, 2002 with the earliest start up on May 7 in 1999 and 2007.