Nicole Hancock
Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony ...

Kristen Villebrun and Wendy Bush hoped they wouldn't have to pray for Chedoke Creek, but four years after they first raised alarm about the water's condition, they were part of an Indigenous full moon ceremony to do just that. About 50 people showed up near Princess Point on the dark and frigid Monday evening for the monthly ceremony, which was particularly special as it focused on Chedoke Creek. The body of water that runs into Cootes Paradise had about 24 billion litres of sewage and storm water runoff leak into it due to a gate being left open.

Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony to heal Chedoke Creek

Mackenzie River

Isolated and expensive, the N.W.T.'s Sahtu riding feels squeeze of climate change

Isolated and expensive, the N.W.T.'s Sahtu riding feels squeeze of climate change

While the southern N.W.T. was battered by wildfires this summer, the territory's remote Sahtu region faced its own climate challenge: a historically-low Mackenzie River. For the first time in living memory, low water caused by extremely dry conditions prevented most of the season's supply barges — hauling everything from drywall to gummy bears — from navigating the Mackenzie. The river is a lifeline for the five communities that make up the N.W.T.'s Sahtu riding: Deline, Fort Good Hope, Tulita, Colville Lake, and Norman Wells, the regional hub of roughly 800 people. And the high cost of living is the number one issue heading into the Nov. 14 territorial election. 

'We're hoping for some more rain': Extremely low N.W.T. water levels raise concerns about the future

'We're hoping for some more rain': Extremely low N.W.T. water levels raise concerns about the future

Water levels in rivers and lakes of the central and southern Northwest Territories are at — or near — record lows this year after an extremely hot and dry stretch lasting months. "It's been steadily decreasing all summer and, as a result, the Mackenzie River downstream is also extremely low and record low at different locations," said Ryan Connon, a hydrologist with the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The Mackenzie River is a lot lower than normal. Those who rely on it wonder if it's an anomaly

The Mackenzie River is a lot lower than normal. Those who rely on it wonder if it's an anomaly

Joe Lacorne looks toward the Mackenzie River, a familiar sight for many decades. But the river doesn't look normal. "The water level is really low this year," he said. "It's hard to get around with even boats." Lacorne, who has lived in the tiny hamlet of Fort Providence, N.W.T., for about 60 years, said he keeps an eye on the river for his community. "Spring time, [it's] always like a big rush of snow melting and that's when the water is up high," he said. "But during the summer, we just lost water, just rapidly. Water disappeared."

Ottawa says it's making Canada's largest ever investment in protecting fresh water

Ottawa says it's making Canada's largest ever investment in protecting fresh water

The federal government says it's making Canada's largest investment ever in protecting the nation's sources of fresh water — including the Great Lakes. Commitments announced by the government during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit and in the recent budget bring the federal government's total investment to $750 million, said Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.

Clean water and a clean economy: DUC welcomes new investments in freshwater protection in 2023 federal budget

Clean water and a clean economy: DUC welcomes new investments in freshwater protection in 2023 federal budget

Today’s federal budget recognized that investing in clean water and climate action will deliver many benefits to the economy, to communities, as well as to the health and quality of life of Canadians. As the Government of Canada outlined its intentions to build a clean economy, one that aims to advance sustainable development while reducing environmental risks, new investments in freshwater protection and biodiversity will make important contributions to this goal. Budget 2023 announced new measures to support monitoring, assessment, and restoration of some of Canada’s most iconic – and threatened – lakes and rivers. Over 10 years, $650 million will help to assess and rejuvenate the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, St. Lawrence River, Fraser River, Saint John River, Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe.

Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., leaders optimistic Imperial Oil visit marks turning point in relationship

Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., leaders optimistic Imperial Oil visit marks turning point in relationship

Imperial Oil said it's going to start the process of renewing licences with the Sahtu Land and Water Board and the Canada Energy Regulator to operate in the Sahtu. The new permits would allow them to keep extracting oil in Norman Wells for another decade.  An Imperial Oil representative declined to do an interview at the open house, saying staff were not trained to speak to the media. 

Imperial Oil reporting spill in Norman Wells occurred under Mackenzie River

Imperial Oil reporting spill in Norman Wells occurred under Mackenzie River

Nearly a month after the incident was first reported, Imperial Oil has confirmed that the produced water line that spilled in Norman Wells, N.W.T. is underneath the Mackenzie River. Cabin Radio first reported the leak's location. Imperial Oil said the cause of the leak is still being determined and that results from water sampling indicate there is no risk to public health or freshwater aquatic life downstream. In early August, residents in Fort Good Hope reported a fuel-like sheen and other surface contaminants spotted on the surface of the Mackenzie River.

16 days later, Imperial Oil still investigating if Norman Wells spill entered Mackenzie River

16 days later, Imperial Oil still investigating if Norman Wells spill entered Mackenzie River

Imperial Oil is still investigating whether produced water that spilled at the Norman Wells, N.W.T. operation in late July has entered the Mackenzie River. A spokesperson for Imperial Oil said in an email that the company is monitoring the water quality and there are no indications there is a risk to public health. This comes after people downriver in Fort Good Hope reported surface contaminants on the water.

River floods out ferry crossing at Tsiigehtchic, N.W.T.

River floods out ferry crossing at Tsiigehtchic, N.W.T.

In Tsiigehtchic, N.W.T., the Mackenzie River is rising to its highest levels since 2008, flooding out shoreline fish camps and rising roughly six feet overnight. That's what resident and river watcher Mickey Andre told the CBC's Wanda McLeod on Tuesday, after seeing the waters go to their highest in 15 years. "It's jammed up pretty good right now," said Andre.

After catastrophic 2021 flood, N.W.T. communities prepare for spring breakup

After catastrophic 2021 flood, N.W.T. communities prepare for spring breakup

The Dehcho (Mackenzie River) is already moving near Fort Providence, and in the communities of Fort Simpson and Fort Good Hope where the river is still frozen, community members are not waiting for disaster to strike — many have lifted their homes and have begun to move valuables to high ground. Floods in May last year were "the scale of something that just had never been anticipated," said Fort Simpson Mayor Sean Whelly.

'We're still on high alert' says Aklavik mayor as water levels continue to waver

'We're still on high alert' says Aklavik mayor as water levels continue to waver

The hamlet of Aklavik, N.W.T., is still on high alert as water levels continue to waver, says Mayor Andrew Charlie on Monday. "Water levels are still kind of high," Charlie said. "It's dropped for a bit and then it comes up a bit, drops again." He says many of the roads are still above water, since in the past, the community had elevated some of the roads. However, a few were still submerged as of Monday morning, including a service road to the community's dump. "People are still getting around," Charlie said.

State of emergency declared in Aklavik, N.W.T., as floodwaters rise

State of emergency declared in Aklavik, N.W.T., as floodwaters rise

A state of emergency has been declared in Aklavik, N.W.T., after water started rising over the road that leads to the hamlet's dump, according to a statement issued by its mayor and council overnight. Residents would start being evacuated from their homes Sunday morning between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. local time, the statement said. The remote community of roughly 600 people has been on flood watch for about a week and is the latest of several communities in the Northwest Territories to be affected by historic flooding on the Mackenzie River, caused by the spring breakup.

State of emergency declared in Fort Good Hope as flood waters rise

State of emergency declared in Fort Good Hope as flood waters rise

A state of emergency has been declared in Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., where flood waters neared the 17-metre mark Tuesday evening, according to Arthur Tobac, the community's public information officer. Tobac, who also sits on the community's council, said the declaration was made around 10:10 a.m. There are about 14 homes in the lowest-lying part of the community, which emergency management officials refer to as "zone one." Most residents in the area had already left when the siren sounded at 4:30 a.m. Roger Plouffe, the local emergency management officer, said two remaining people vacated their homes overnight. As of Tuesday evening, Tobac said people living in "zone two" also started to leave.

'It's time to check on your property': Fort Simpson water levels drop below 10 metres

'It's time to check on your property': Fort Simpson water levels drop below 10 metres

Water levels in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., dropped to 9.25 metres Sunday morning, and Mayor Sean Whelly said residents are heading back to their properties for the first time since an evacuation order was issued last weekend. More than 700 people were displaced and evacuated to higher ground or neighbouring communities as water levels grew to new extremes in the community, which rests at the intersection of the Mackenzie and Liard rivers. At one point, the water had swelled as high as 16 metres. "We're just telling people, go on down, it's time to check on your property and please let us know what damage has occurred," said Whelly.

700 people in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., displaced by flood, mayor says

700 people in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., displaced by flood, mayor says

An estimated 700 people have been displaced from their homes in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., the mayor said Monday morning, after the community of about 1,200 was flooded during seasonal ice breakup over the weekend. "There's basically people all over the place," Mayor Sean Whelly told CBC Radio's The Trailbreaker. "They're down the highway, some of them with motorhomes, camps — setting up a bush camp, and things like that." He said other residents have gone to stay with relatives or friends.

'My entire community was under water': Most homes in Jean Marie River damaged during flood

'My entire community was under water': Most homes in Jean Marie River damaged during flood

Twenty-two homes in Jean Marie River have been damaged by water and contaminated with fuel after the Mackenzie River flooded the N.W.T. community on both Friday and Saturday nights, according to the community's chief. Chief Stanley Sanguez told CBC News the band office and the school — in the lower lying downtown area — were also affected. The community of fewer than 100 people only has 26 homes in it, he said. "The water went so high that it uprooted all the fuel tanks, you could literally smell diesel all over," he explained. "The fuel that got into the houses is going to embed right in the lumber. It [doesn't] matter how you wash it, you'll still have that smell." When the water came Friday night, it came quickly.

Siren sounds in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., as water levels reach 15 metres

Siren sounds in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., as water levels reach 15 metres

The sirens sounded for a second time in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., just before 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, signalling that water levels along the Mackenzie River had reached 15 metres. That triggered a final evacuation order for people who live on the island, which is home to about sixty per cent of Simpson's 1,200 residents. Emergency operation support staff will now go door to door to help anyone needing transportation to the recreation centre, where people are asked to register before moving on.

Environment Canada resuming water monitoring in Mackenzie River Basin, still no consultation with Northern leaders

Environment Canada resuming water monitoring in Mackenzie River Basin, still no consultation with Northern leaders

Dene National Chief Norman Yakeleya said that the issue of water safety, especially flowing from the oil sands, has been a concern for as long as he has been Chief. In a tele-press conference Yakeleya told media that he is “befuddled as to why an essential service, such as monitoring the quality of the water coming from the oil sands production fields, was suspended.” He said that water is essential for drinking, for fish, for the animals, and “for the sake of all people in the Northwest Territories.”

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