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News Briefs: Friday, April 6, 2012
Ice crossing closure
The Department of Transportation is advising the public that the Highway 3 ice crossing at Fort Providence will likely be closing some time during next week.
Michael Conway, regional superintendent for the North Slave, said he expects the Dettah ice road to remain open until next weekend.
- Kevin Allerston
Toronto's pump pangs worse than Yellowknife's
For two days this week, gas prices were higher in Toronto than in Yellowknife. The price of gasoline in Yellowknife has remained steady for about a year, at $1.389 per litre. Pump prices in Toronto were up around $1.401 Wednesday after a 3.6-cent hike overnight and remained high on Thursday. According to website tomorrowsgaspricetoday.com, however, gas prices in Toronto are expected to fall by 3.6 cents at midnight tonight. The website is maintained by gas price watchdog and former Ontario MP Dan McTeague. The average cost of gas in the NWT is currently lower than in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, according to website gasbuddy.com.
- Galit Rodan
Snowmobile thefts
After eight reports of snowmobile thefts in Yellowknife since March 1, the RCMP is reminding the public to ensure their machines are adequately secured with commercially purchased track locks or by rendering the snowmobile inoperable by removing the spark plugs and belt.
Bruce Hewlko, president of the Great Slave Snowmobile Association, had his own sled stolen from his home Sunday night. The machine was recovered in bad shape on Tin Can Hill Tuesday.
All but one of the stolen snowmobiles have been recovered.
- Kevin Allerston
Long-gun registry gone
Canada's controversial long-gun registry is no more. Bill C-19, the Ending the Long-gun Registry Act, passed its third reading in the Senate Wednesday by a vote of 50-27.
The bill also calls for the destruction of all records pertaining to the registration of long-guns in Canada.
Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington was not present during the last round of voting on the act in the House of Commons in February.
- Kevin Allerston
News Briefs: Thursday, April 5, 2012
Fort Providence ice crossing in final days
Winter transportation routes have started to close in the Deh Cho.
The ice crossing at Fort Providence could be closed as early as this weekend, said Earl Blacklock, the manager of public affairs and communications with the Department of Transportation.
Restrictions to low-lying vehicles could occur at any time if warm temperatures cause rutting on the ice surface, he said. The crossing has a five-year average closure date of April 16.
Blacklock said it is too early to comment on the Liard River ice crossing and how long it may be open. The crossing has a five-year average closure date of April 20.
On April 2 both the Trout Lake winter road and the Nahanni Butte ice crossing were closed to traffic. Both routes normally close at the end of March, Blacklock said.
Easter celebration for families
The Open Doors Society is holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 9.
The event will take place at the Fort Simpson Territorial Park from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants can expect prizes, games, a barbecue and treats left by the Easter Bunny.
Carnival season comes to Nahanni Butte
Preparations are underway for Nahanni Butte's Lukeh Springtime Carnival.
The carnival will take place from April 10 to 15. The weekend activities will get a strong start with a half-day holiday for band staff on April 13, said Chief Fred Tesou of the Nahanni Butte Dene Band.
The carnival is set to include a crib and floor hockey tournament ,among other events.
Fur prices doubling
Demand for NWT furs has increased again this year according to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
More than $800,000 worth of Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs were sold at a wild fur auction on March 22, bringing the total sales to more than $1 million this year.
Average prices for all species have increased by an average of 50 to 60 per cent over last year with beavers leading the way with a 110-per-cent increase, according to a press release by the department.
At the auction, an NWT marten pelt went for $380 and a lynx for $400, the top auction prices for the species against all others from across Canada and the northern U.S.
Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs wild furs will be sold at an auction in Seattle on May 20 and the final sale of the season will take place on June 21 in North Bay, Ont.
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News desk 
