More than 50 residents of Norman Wells, Northwest Territories, rallied Thursday to pressure the government for help amid soaring heating oil costs in the community.
The cancellation of barge transportation this summer due to low levels on the Mackenzie River has pushed up the prices of commodities such as gasoline and fuel oil. These products must now be transported by plane while waiting for the winter road to open.
Norman Wells declared a local state of emergency last month. A petition was also launched, asking the territorial government to declare a state of emergency and to further subsidize the transportation of fuel oil. More than 700 signatures had been collected by the end of the day Thursday.
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During the rally, residents expressed their frustrations with the situation which they consider untenable.
Photo : - / Nadeer Hashmi
At the rally, residents, like Christine Landry, expressed their frustrations.
The latter does not know how she will pay this winter for heating bills which could amount to $4,000 per month.
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Christine Landry has lived in Norman Wells for 36 years. She doesn’t know if she will stay in the community this winter.
Photo : - / Nadeer Hashmi
We will decide this winter if we can stay here or not
says the one who lives in Norman Wells for 36 years.
Leaving the community may not be possible, however. Ms. Landry says this issue has caused property values to drop.
We’re stuck, houses don’t sell
she mentioned.
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Norman Wells is located along the Mackenzie River, northwest of Yellowknife.
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A less viable place
Citizens shared the dilemma they face between paying for heating or groceries.
People are stressed, worried. We don’t know what awaits us
a dit Bill Pratt.
It will not be a viable place to live […] the cost of fuel will cause this community to close.
Another resident, Sarah Kellyexpects to have to pay nearly $30,000 to heat his small house this winter, compared to $8,000 in normal times.
I don’t know which Canadians have that much money available. Anxiety is at an all-time high, and so are our bills
she said.
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Sarah Kelly speaks about her situation at the rally in Norman Wells, November 7, 2024.
Photo : - / Nadeer Hashmi
The territory is looking for solutions
The Sahtu MP, Danny McNeelytook steps with the municipal administration to find solutions. He went with the mayor Frank Pope has Ottawalast month, to explain the situation.
The territorial government provided $150,000 to the local food bank and increased heating subsidies for seniors.
M. McNeely says he spoke last week with the Prime Minister RJ Simpson.
[Il] assured me that he was taking this situation seriously and that he would propose solutions
he said.
With information from Nadeer Hashmi
