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Friday, December 18, 2015
StatsCan data shows population increase
The territory's population grew by 0.3 per cent between Oct. 1 last year and Oct. 1 this year, according to data from Statistics Canada. There were 688 births and 206 deaths during that period; 2,283 people moved here from other provinces and territories, while 2,763 people moved away; and 109 people moved here from outside Canada. That resulted in a population increase of 111 people bringing the territory to an estimated total of 44,253.
- Shane Magee
Stamp price won't increase
For those who still send mail, Canada Post revealed good news Wednesday when it issued a news release stating the price of postage stamps won't increase in 2016. The prices will remain at 85 cents for stamps in a booklet and $1 for a single stamp for letters less than 30 grams. It's a reversal from earlier this year when the Crown corporation stated the price for stamps in a booklet would increase to 90 cents. The corporation estimates the average household buys about two postage stamps per month.
- Shane Magee
Dene Nation heralds climate deal
Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus heralded the climate change treaty reached after a conference in Paris earlier this month in a press release. Erasmus as well as other leaders were part of preparatory meetings with the federal Liberal government. The agreement can only be enforced after being ratified by 55 countries that account for 55 per cent of emissions.
- Shane Magee
City reveals Christmas light contest winners
The city revealed the winners of its Christmas lights decoration contest Wednesday in a news release after 1,124 votes were cast on its website. The winners are: 59 Rycon Dr. in the alternative category; 1015 Williams Ave. for apartment exterior; Westown Tire for commercial exterior; 208 Magrum Cres. for mobile home exterior; Gitzel Street in the neighbourhood category; Northwestel for office interior; 4803 Matonabee St. for residential exterior and 151 Rivett Cres. in the Griswold category. Winners will receive an unspecified gift from Northland Utilities.
- Shane Magee
Wednesday, December 17, 2015
Moose samples sought
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is still collecting moose samples in the Deh Cho from hunters.
Nic Larter, the department's manager of wildlife, research and monitoring, said the department only needs five more samples before it reaches its goal of 40 to 45 samples.
In October, the department encouraged harvesters to provide samples, particularly from moose harvested around Trout Lake and Fort Liard.
The samples are being collected so researchers can measure the health of the moose population in the Deh Cho.
Samples include front teeth from the lower jaw, a handful of fecal pellets, a three square-inch chunk of liver, a three square-inch chunk of muscle and a six-inch piece of leg bone with marrow.
The department continues to compensate hunters for their samples. Sampling kits are available at First Nation offices and at department offices.
DFN schools premier candidates
On Dec. 11, Dehcho First Nations Grand Chief Herb Norwegian wrote an open letter to premier candidates Glen Abernethy and Bob McLeod to reaffirm his position on the Dehcho Process.
Norwegian stated in his letter that the GNWT and Dehcho First Nations "remain quite far apart on critical lands and resources issues," and urges the candidates to bridge that gap.
"The Dehcho ... asks the new government to withdraw its previous lands offer and come to the negotiating table prepared to resolve the differences on land rights," Norwegian wrote.
"We also ask that should you become premier, your government will support our position that our negotiations should be primarily between the DFN and Canada."
Committees approved but not appointed
Appointments to Fort Simpson village council's six approved committees will be made after the upcoming byelection rounds out numbers around the council table.
On Dec. 7, councillors voted to pass a bylaw in third reading creating the six committees, which include recreation and parks, public works and safety, financial and administrative, community development, human resources and contracts.
Committees will eventually be comprised of four councillors each, with Mayor Darlene Sibbeston sitting as an ex-officio member of all.
Until a new council member is elected, arising issues that would normally go to the committees will instead be discussed at committee of the whole meetings.
New fire truck
The Inuvik Fire Department has received the newest addition to its fleet.
The new pumper truck will replace the old one, said Fire Chief Jim Sawkins, who added that the old truck is 22 years old.
"It will be our workhorse," he said of the new truck which made its first appearance in the Santa Claus Parade Dec. 13, following behind its predecessor in a farewell of sorts.
Sawkins said the new pumper carries compressed air foam, which will allow the department greater flexibility and capability outside of town where there are no fire hydrants. The department will still need to carry water in a tank, but significantly less of it.
The new truck has more storage than the last one, as well as powerful lights mounted on its roof to help firefighters on the scene of nighttime blazes. This is the second rig the fire department has replaced since 2013. The old truck was to be retired this week.
TV show coming to Ingamo Hall
The popular television show Still Standing is taping in Inuvik Dec. 19 and all are welcome to attend.
There will be performances by Pete Zedlacher and Chuck Byrn, as well as a stand-up comedy routine by Johnny Harris. The doors open at Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 6:30.
While the event is free, there is limited space and no reserved seating, so people are encouraged to get there early because, once the hall is full, they will close the doors.
Earlier, Harris plans to take part in a Winter Solstice Cultural Celebration at the Midnight Sun Complex Dec. 18 from noon to 2 p.m. featuring Inuvialuit drummers and dancers, as well as Gwich'in jiggers. There will be reindeer stew served and jigging contests for children and youths with cash prizes. Audience members are advised that they may be photographed and recorded during the taping of the show.
Children First Centre to extend services
The Children First Society has announced that it will extend its hours of operation at the centre in the new year to better accommodate shift workers and those who work weekends.
The new hours include sessions from 5 to 9 p.m. on weeknights, full-time weekends (from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and part-time weekends (from 1 to 5 p.m.). Evening sessions will be filled with literacy activities and quiet time, as well as homework help for school-aged children while the weekend sessions feature more creative activities and gym time. Depending on the time and duration of the session, meals and snacks will be provided.
Acceptance into these programs is dependent on space availability.
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