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Friday, September 30, 2016
Population climbs
The territory's population has grown by 0.5 per cent, according to data released by Statistics Canada.
The growth was below the national average of 1.2 per cent.
The statistics agency estimated 44,469 people lived in the territory July 1, 225 more than a year before.
Growth was tied to more births than deaths and international migration. More people moved to other parts of Canada than here, accounting for a loss of 421 people.
Each person matters to the territorial government's bottom line. It receives transfer payments from the federal government of $28,894 per person according to Finance Canada.
- Shane Magee
Schumann touts city in mining speech
Yellowknife and the North Slave region are primed for further exploration, the industry minister said in a speech Wednesday at the Mines and Money Conference in Toronto.
"Although it began as a frontier gold town, Yellowknife is now known as the diamond capital of North America," Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister Wally Schumann said Wednesday.
He said only a fraction of the territory's resource potential has been tapped or even explored. He stated there's widespread support for mining based on a poll paid for by the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines.
- Shane Magee
Fire safety fair ahead
Residents are encouraged to sign up, participate and learn at the Yellowknife Fire Safety Fair. You may save the life of someone close to you, stated a notice from the city.
There are prizes for the top projects for school classes, families and teams. There is also a prize for top individual projects. The criteria for what judges will be looking for can be found online.
Entries should be dropped off at the fire hall at 100 Taylor Rd., no later than 5 p.m. on Monday.
- John McFadden
Expo exhibit at museum
A community-curated exhibit marking the 30th anniversary of the territory's pavilion at Expo '86 opened last night at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.
The pavilion highlighted the territory's culture on an international state, bringing in more than 1.5 million visitors and involving hundreds of northerners. The exhibit opened with storytelling and a 25-minute video tour of the pavilion.
- Shane Magee
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Ministers tour the Deh Cho
Ministers Caroline Cochrane, Glen Abernethy and Alfred Moses are expected to visit all six communities in the Nahendeh riding along with Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson.
According to Thompson, the tour begins Oct. 3 with Nahanni Butte in the morning and Fort Liard in the afternoon.
On Oct. 4, the ministers will visit Sambaa K'e in the morning and Jean Marie River in the afternoon.
The following day, the entire NWT cabinet will be in Fort Simpson.
On Oct. 6, Cochrane, Abernethy and Moses will be in Wrigley in the afternoon.
Each community visit is expected to include a tour of the community and schools as well as a public meeting, with Fort Simpson's visit including an open house.
Thompson said there is a possibility of short-notice cancellation, depending on the ministers involved.
Futsal camp heads to Simpson
Soccer enthusiasts in the Deh Cho who meet a list of requirements will have a shot at trying out at a regional futsal camp in Fort Simpson. The camp is scheduled to run from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.
Age categories for the camp include males born between 2006 and 2001, and females born between 2006 and 2000.
The camp is one of five across the Northwest Territories facilitated by the NWT Soccer Association, which will be using the camps as a means of identifying players for the 16U Male and Female teams for the 2017 North American Indigenous Games.
Open house showcases seniors complex
The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation held an open house on Sept. 27 in Fort Liard for its new seniors independent complex.
The building has nine units, eight of which are expected to be occupied by seniors, with the ninth reserved for caretakers.
Minor hockey heats up
Fort Providence Minor Hockey has elected a board, which includes Tim Cragg as president, Edward Landry as vice-president and Bertha Landry as treasurer.
Members of the board include Stella Nadli, Trisha Landry, Florence Gargan, Eric Nadli, James Nadli, William Landry, Gilbert Matto, Kenneth Minoza and Peter Minoza.
Arts fair approaches
The Great Northern Art Fair is right around the corner and organizers are seeking people to rent tables.
The three-day festival runs Nov. 18 to Nov. 20 at the Midnight Sun Complex.
Table rental is $100 per table and participants are expected to have someone at their table at all times from opening to closing each day.
Tables will be assigned based on needs and products, with artists accommodated first.
For more information, contact the Great Northern Arts Festival Society.
Pool reopens
The Midnight Sun Complex's pool was set to open again Sept. 28.
Some changes to swim times have been made, so people are recommended to visit the swimming pool to pick up an updated schedule.
One noted change was the removal of the parent and tot swim during swim lessons, which was made to provide the best possible learning environment for swimmers.
Lessons begin Oct. 5.
Free business skills training workshop
Free business skills training workshops start in town Oct. 4, at the community lounge upstairs in the Midnight Sun Complex and run until the end of Oct. 6.
The workshops are free and open to anyone. All those interested in exploring business opportunities or building skills is invited to attend. Snacks, lunch and learning materials will be included.
The event is put on by the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization.
Workshop topics include opportunity readiness, entrepreneurshp, introduction to tourism, e-commerce and more.
Contact Jackie Challis, Inuvialuit CEDO project coordinator, for more information.
Town seeks input on strategic plan
The Town of Inuvik is looking for residents' input on its draft strategic plan for 2016-2021, which is available on the town's website.
The plan gives a full 'SWOT' assessment, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Strategic priorities listed include diversifying and strengthening the economy, addressing the cost of living, promoting and showcasing Inuvik, enhancing operations within the town and strengthening partnerships. A draft action plan is included.
The town wants to hear if it is going in the right direction, if its priorities are workable and what actions would make a positive difference for residents.
A survey can be completed at the town"s website and an announcement of discussion dates about the plan will be released sometime in the near future.
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