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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
While Merv Hardie operators would like to see water levels a little higher on the Mackenzie River, there's appears to be little expectation that last November's nine-day ferry disruption will be repeated this fall.

No service disruptions for the Merv Hardie ferry across the Mackenzie River are expected this fall. Last year, the ferry was shut down for nine days due to low water levels. - NNSL file photo

"We are in much better shape this year than last year," said Earl Blacklock, communications manager for the Department of Transportation.

"The water levels (of the Mackenzie River) are higher this year than last year, but they aren't at optimal levels."

The Merv Hardie needs water levels at 150 metres above sea level or greater in order to operate. The water level at the ferry crossing near Fort Providence was at 150.8 metres late last week.

Last November, water levels dropped to 149.65 metres and the Merv Hardie remained out of action for nine days. Fears of an extended outage led to panic at the pumps as motorists in the city stockpiled on gas, which caused gas stations to run out and fly in shipments that sold for $1.99 a litre until ferry services resumed.

The ferry typically runs until mid-January, at about the time an ice road across the river opens to traffic.

Blacklock said the lessons of last year were well-learned and his department created a contingency plan should water levels on the river drop again to create unsafe conditions for ferry crossings.

"This year we commissioned a study to determine water levels in the area to find another route (across the Mackenzie) and we have," he said.

There were fears earlier in the spring and through summer that this year would be a repeat of last as precipitation remained at a minimum but high rains in late August and September caused water levels to rise.

Still Blacklock cautions that while the department is confident that ferry service will continue unabated the situation could change quickly and dramatically.

"(At this time) we're confident we can to continue to operate but we're watching the water levels," said Blacklock.

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