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News Briefs: Wednesday, November 21, 2012
All lake ice six-inches thick
All ice in the Yellowknife area now measures at least six inches - the recommended thickness for walking, skiing and snowmobiling, the Great Slave Snowmobile Club determined while out measuring ice for the last time Saturday.
However, those wanting to get out on the ice should still exercise extreme caution, Gerda Groothuizen, deputy fire chief of life safety and prevention told Yellowknifer Friday.
Changes in water current, shallow rocks or other debris and added weight from snow can all weaken the ice, she said.
- Laura Busch
Smoke near airport from training exercise
Dark smoke coming from the direction of the Yellowknife Airport Friday afternoon was caused by routine training at the airport fire division hangar, said Department of Transportation spokesperson Earl Blacklock.
Normally, the department issues a warning when such training will occur so as not to alarm residents, however, no warning was given regarding last week's controlled burn, he said.
- Laura Busch
GNWT wants input
Roughly 100 people are in Yellowknife to discuss Northern energy issues over the next two days.
Two public sessions are planned during the two-and-a-half day meeting, at which the 2013 NWT Energy Plan will be discussed.
Last night, an introductory session was scheduled at the Explorer Hotel. Speakers on the program included Premier Bob McLeod and keynote speaker Peter Tertzakian.
A second public session is scheduled for Thursday night beginning at 7 p.m., also at the Explorer Hotel.
- Laura Busch
Swim for a cause
A public swim scheduled for Friday aims to stock the shelves at the Yellowknife Food Bank.
The all-ages swim is scheduled to run between 6:30 and 7:55 p.m. at Ruth Inch Memorial Pool. Cost of admission is one non-perishable food item per person, to be donated to the food bank.
- Laura Busch
Funding announced
Arviat
The Arviat Community Ecotourism (ACE) initiative received more than $100,000 in federal funding this past week.
Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency Leona Aglukkaq stated in a news release the $105,100 in funding "is an investment that will strengthen tourism and business capacity in the Hamlet of Arviat."
The hamlet will carry out a number of activities under its ACE initiative, including training local students to be equipped to host and guide tourists in the region, marketing and tourism promotion aimed nationally and abroad, and the purchase of a wildlife viewing cabin for day trips away from the community for tourists to view wildlife.
Man succumbs to blizzard
Rankin Inlet
A 51yearold man is dead after going outside in a blizzard near Rankin Inlet this past week.
Paul Aupilardjuk left his family residence on the afternoon of Nov. 15 amid blizzard conditions and did not return.
Family members reported his absence to the RCMP.
The police activated Rankin's search and rescue and a large-scale search was initiated despite the severe weather conditions. Aupilardjuk's body was found near the community's shoreline shortly before noon the following day.
He had succumbed to the extreme cold weather.
No foul play is suspected and alcohol was not involved.
The RCMP is assisting the coroner's office with the investigation into the death.
Art workshops
Arviat
Yellowknife artist and facilitator Carmen Braden is scheduled to conduct a series of workshops with Arviat youth groups from Nov. 2630. The workshops will centre on discussions surrounding art, identity and place.
As part of TakingITglobal, Defining Moments: Discovering our Canadian Stories is a national digital media arts and citizenship project aimed at engaging youth across Canada to explore, express and showcase their diverse perspectives on Canadian identity.
The aim of the program is to foster crosscultural participation among youth through regionally co-ordinated workshops, along with a national art contest and travelling exhibition. TakingITGlobal has also been a strong supporter of the Nanisiniq Arviat History Project.
Rider application
Kivalliq/Nunavut
The Qulliq Energy Corp. (QEC) has filed a request with the minister responsible for Qulliq Energy Corp., Lorne Kusugak, to levy a fuel stabilization rider in all Nunavut communities at 4.13 cents per kilowatt hour.
The QEC application is under review by the Utility Rates Review Council.
All funds collected from the fuel stabilization rider are placed in a fuel stabilization fund which addresses only fuel cost, and does not incorporate any other QEC expenses.
Tourney winner
Coral Harbour/Brantford, Ont.
Daniel McKitrick, originally from Coral Harbour, was part of the Thunder Bay Kings squad that captured the Dale Parker Memorial Boston Pizza Cup championship in Brantford, Ont., earlier this month.
The Kings defeated ChathamKent Cyclones by a score of 60 in the final game.
McKitrick scored three goals and assisted on three others to average a point per game at the tournament.
The event is the Brantford Minor Hockey Association's minor AAA midget showcase tournament, and featured 16 teams competing for the 2012 cup.
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