LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
A $10 collector's coin celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary with the an icon image of Fort Simpson on it will soon be stamped, making at least one village councillor happy.

This collector's coin will feature a photo of the Northern lights over the Mackenzie River in Fort Simpson by Adam Hill of Hay River. - Photo courtesy of Adam Hill

"I think it's an amazing painting," said Coun. Mike Rowe. "It really showcases the North."

The image was taken in Fort Simpson on the Mackenzie River with Simpson Air float planes under an aurora-lit sky.

"I didn't really have anything else that screamed NWT," said artist Adam Hill in previous comments to Hay River Hub.

"But this one has the Mackenzie River, the float planes, the aurora. It's as iconic as it gets."

For Rowe, while the image may have the iconic float planes on it, he sees the coin as more iconic of the Northwest Territories as a whole than necessarily just Fort Simpson.

However, he thinks the coin may even be good for Fort Simpson tourism.

"The Northern Lights are such a big draw," the councillor said. "Fort Simpson, one of its main industries is tourism."

Hill said in the previous story that Canadian Geographic Magazine contacted him and asked for him to submit some of his photos for consideration.

"I knew it would be a good night for aurora, and there were planes right across the street so I went down the hill and waited for about two hours for the lights to get in just the right spot," Hill said.

"I usually have to try many locations and angles in one night but I knew I had something really good there so I just waited for the right moment."

The coin is planned to be released in December will likely be sold locally at Canada Post.

"I'll absolutely get one of those," said Rowe.

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