The Village of Fort Simpson is preparing for the breakup of the Mackenzie and Liard rivers and potential flooding after experiencing a historic influx of water last year.

In 2021, much of the community evacuated as the Mackenzie rose as high as 16.7 metres SA国际影视传媒� well above the 15-metre threshold where water begins to inundate the community.

The breakup season in the village usually begins around the first week of May with the breaking of the Liard River. The pushing of ice and water into the Mackenzie River in front of Fort Simpson Island leads to rising water levels and a flood threat to communities along the big river.

Mayor Sean Whelly said in an April 6 interview that although the villageSA国际影视传媒檚 emergency management organization is still reviewing data, the municipality is trying to be better prepared after last year.

SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e hoping to see more (data) as we make our emergency plans, but we are kind of going on the assumption that weSA国际影视传媒檙e going to experience some level of flooding in Fort Simpson this year,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e committed to doing a lot more planning ahead of time this year SA国际影视传媒� working with government departments here, working with MACA (Municipal and Community Affairs) in the community on whatSA国际影视传媒檚 going on and being open to a lot more feedback from residents. We want to make sure weSA国际影视传媒檝e thought of everything as much as we can.SA国际影视传媒�

Whelly noted that although Great Slave Lake has not reached the historic levels of last year, it still appears to be higher than normal and snow pack melt is expected to be above average.

SA国际影视传媒淲hile the lake levels may be down a couple of metres from historic levels last year, it doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 mean a whole lot if we have a fast spring melt and if there is lots of water to be melted up in the mountains,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭he snowfall is worrying, as is the slightly delayed onset of warmer weather. March was cold. Everyone has theories, but we have been warned by the GNWT that we are at high risk of flooding. SA国际影视传媒�

Senior administrative officer Kevin Corrigan said one core challenge after last year is improving communication and letting residents know that they need to be equipped and ready in the event of a major flood.

Village staff are conducting a survey with residents in the coming weeks to get a sense of who will be willing to evacuate during a flood emergency and who will choose to stay behind and camp.

The municipalitySA国际影视传媒檚 resources to help those who choose to stay behind are limited.

SA国际影视传媒淚f someone wants to camp, they need to be prepared to take care of themselves,SA国际影视传媒� Corrigan advised. SA国际影视传媒淲e cannot take care of everyone who wants to camp. We cannot provide warm tents. We cannot provide essential care for every single person if they all want to be taken care of. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 just not feasible. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 not possible.SA国际影视传媒�

Efforts are being finalized to log resources and supplies among the local municipal, territorial and Indigenous governments to be aware of what can be provided to residents in an emergency situation.

SA国际影视传媒淩ight now we have maybe a handful of (pup) tents left over from last year,SA国际影视传媒� Corrigan said. SA国际影视传媒淲e can buy a bunch more tents and sleeping bagsSA国际影视传媒� itSA国际影视传媒檚 something that we can find in the budget under protective services if council wants us to spend some money, get some camping equipment and store it away safely.SA国际影视传媒�

Corrigan said itSA国际影视传媒檚 important for people to SA国际影视传媒渂e responsible for yourselfSA国际影视传媒� and evacuate by plane if itSA国际影视传媒檚 possible.

SA国际影视传媒淚 think that message didnSA国际影视传媒檛 go out last year and that was one of the biggest failings on our part, which was to get that message. Different people had different expectations,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

The villageSA国际影视传媒檚 SA国际影视传媒榯ent citySA国际影视传媒� emergency camp for evacuees worked out well, according to Corrigan, but there are preparations to establish at least one backup location, as necessary.

The village will also have a protective services director in place, which wasnSA国际影视传媒檛 the case last year. That individual will be designated to help coordinate the flood emergency response.

Whelly said that one of the big impacts of flooding last year was houses experiencing sewer backups. To avoid that problem this year, the municipality will be giving away backfill valves and plugs.

Jay Boast, MACA spokesperson, stated that the department will be holding a media briefing in the coming days regarding the 2022 flood season.