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News Briefs: Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Ice getting thicker
The Yellowknife fire department is no longer testing the ice thickness on local lakes, now that it has reached the recommended six inches for recreational use - but they're not going so far as to say the ice is now safe.
"We never ever want to use the safe word," said Fire Chief Darcy Hernblad. "Just because we tested and found six inches doesn't mean it's going to be six inches everywhere. "
Having ice that is six inches thick is used as an indicator that it is ready for walking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and other recreational activities.
- Laura Busch
Merv Hardie ferry interruptions
The Merv Hardie ferry may be pulled out of the water as early as tonight and as late as next Tuesday, according to the Department of Transportation.
An ice dam downriver from the ferry crossing has caused a dramatic increase in water level over the past five days, said Earl Blacklock, manager of public affairs and communications for the GNWT Department of Transportation.
"From Nov. 18 until now, it's jumped from 149.9 (metres above sea level) to the current 152.2," Blacklock said.
Once the Mackenzie River freezes at the crossing point, the Merv Hardie will be pulled out of the water for two to four days. Once the ice is solid, a crew will go out with a backhoe and break a new channel for the ferry. It will then operate until about January when an ice road crossing will replace the ferry service for the winter.
- Laura Busch
Artz for Peace sake
The Yellowknife Peace Building invites residents to come browse the artistic creations at the first Artz for Peace Sake Christmas Market. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Peace Building on 50 Street across from Overlander Sports. To reserve a table contact the Peace Cafe.
- Kevin Allerston
Beware of foxes
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is advising Yellowknife residents to take precautions following increased sightings of foxes in the city. Residents are advised never to approach or feed foxes and to try to remove potential food sources.
Pet food and water should not be kept outside nor should pets, if possible, especially small animals. Pets that must be left outside at night should be confined to a kennel with a secure top or fenced in with a light left on.
- Galit Rodan
Supporting the arts
Kivalliq/Nunavut - The Kivalliq Inuit Association announced its donation of $200,000 to the Inuit Broadcasting Corp. for the construction of the Nunavut Media Arts Centre this past week.
The project is also being supported by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association.
The Kivalliq has been an important part of the history of broadcasting in Nunavut, with two of the original Inukshuk project sites in Baker Lake and Arviat, and is home to many of Nunavut's most recognized and honoured broadcasters
The Nunavut Media Arts Centre is scheduled to open in the summer of 2013.
Bonspiel time
Rankin Inlet - The Rankin Inlet Curling Club will host a mixed bonspiel this coming weekend, Nov. 2527, at the Rankin arena. Curling lovers are invited to come out and join in on the action or cheer on their favourite curlers.
The bonspiel is aimed at drawing attention to the growing sport in Rankin and encouraging anyone in the community who may want to take up the sport to come out and give it a try.
Bear time again
Arviat - The community of Arviat has been on high alert for the past two weeks with numerous polar bear sightings in and about the community.
Bears have been spotted on the ice near the community, at the dump, near the CStore and at other locations around the community. The hamlet has its own polar bear monitoring, trying to scare the bears away with bear bangers and flares to avoid killing the animals. There have been only two defensive kills in Arviat this year, so far, as compared to nine this past year.
Curley resigns from cabinet
Tagak Curley, MLA for Rankin Inlet North, is giving up his cabinet seat, relinquishing his responsibility for Health and Social Services, the Nunavut Housing Corporation, homelessness, and the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission.
No reason was given for Curley's decision, which was announced by Premier Eva Aariak on Monday.
Cambridge Bay MLA Keith Peterson will assume control of Health and Social Services. Fred Schell, South Baffin MLA, will take on Housing and responsibility for homelessness and the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission. Arviat MLA Daniel Shewchuk will take over the Justice portfolio from Peterson. The Environment post goes from Shewchuk to James Arreak, MLA for Uqqummiut.
To help smooth the transition of duties, Curley has agreed to remain in cabinet without a portfolio until Nov. 30, according to a GN press release.
Spiking for a good cause
Rankin Inlet - A mini volleyball tournament will be held in Rankin Inlet this coming weekend, Nov. 25 27, at Simon Alaittuq School.
The event is being held in support of the community's RCMP Christmas Hamper Fund.
There is no maximum number of players or age restrictions for the tourney, which will have sixonsix play. Action will be featured in men's and women's divisions. The registration deadline is set for tomorrow, Nov. 24.
All proceeds raised will go to the hamper fund. Anyone seeking further information is asked to please contact Candace Kusugak.
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