Author: Shelly W

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The Northern Lights in Fort MacMurray

Fort MacMurray, northern lights
Fort MacMurray, northern lights

 

The northern lights in Fort MacMurray are a fascinating sight, and people come from all over to view this natural phenomenon. The colors that can be seen in the northern lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, range from deep reds to blues to greens. Fort MacMurray is situated on the 56th parallel it can be the perfect spot to see the northern lights when the nights are cold and clear. This display is often visible between the month of October and the month of March, and it is caused by a solar wind. Electrons and protons that are produced when the sun hits upper atmosphere gases, and the visual display can be spectacular. The Aurora Borealis may also be seen from Fort MacMurray during other times of the year, but the longer daylight hours may make it hard to see at times.

People travel from all around the globe in order to see the northern lights, and many come to Fort MacMurray just for this exquisite show. Residents in the area may not be as excited over the northern lights as visitors who have never experienced this display, but it still causes a sense of wonder and awe. In the past early cultures thought that the northern lights were spirits, or that they were magical. As the Aurora Borealis begins it is faint but the intensity and the colors slowly intensify as the night wears on, and the visual effects can be stunning to watch. The range of colors and varying hues cause the sky to become extremely memorable, and few who experience this sight ever forget it.

 

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Wood Buffalo RCMP Gives Out Almost 700 Charges to Drivers in 10 Day Period

Wood Buffalo RCMP, driving charges
Wood Buffalo RCMP, driving charges

For the 10 day period, starting on August 22 and through September 1, the Wood Buffalo RCMP gave out 680 driving charges to motorists for a variety of offenses. The daily average was 68, and the driving charges ranged from going a few miles over the speed limit to impaired driving. There were 23 individuals charged with exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 kilometres, 3 individuals were charged with impaired driving under the Criminal Code, 6 individuals were charged with careless driving, and 9 drivers received roadside suspensions for substance abuse while they were driving. The sheer number of driving charges handed out by the Wood Buffalo RCMP show the magnitude of the problem when it comes to keeping the roads in Wood buffalo safe for motorists.

Some of the most notable driving charges and other offenses that the Wood Buffalo RCMP encountered included a 26 year old male who was driving 135 km/h in an area posted for 60 km/h, and he was driving a Ford Mustang when stopped and charged. Another report detailed a Hyundai Sonata which was reported stolen, and the 25 year old male driver was doing 130 km/h in a 100 km/h area. This occurred on Highway 63 near Fort MacMurray, and the man was charged with a number of offenses. The report states that the driver had several outstanding warrants, he was under suspension, both criminal and provincial, and he assaulted an officer after being stopped. These are in addition to driving a stolen vehicle and being impaired.

 

 

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Winter in Fort MacMurray can be Fun for Those Who are Well Prepared

winter in Fort MacMurray, well prepared
winter in Fort MacMurray, well prepared

The remoteness and the natural setting can make winter in Fort MacMurray miserable or fun, depending on how well prepared you are for the local conditions. If you have the proper clothing, accessories, and equipment being outside can be a blast during the winter in Fort MacMurray. Imagine a snowscape with exquisite natural beauty, pristine conditions, and many different trails and remote untouched areas to explore. Snowmobiling, skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, ice skating, and many other activities are just a short distance away for those who are well prepared to brave the elements and get outdoors. If you do not have the proper gear and equipment being outside in cold weather conditions in and around Fort MacMurray can be dangerous though, with the threat of hypothermia or even freezing to death a real possibility if something goes wrong.

If you plan on going outdoors in the winter in Fort MacMurray being prepared is a must. Make sure that you have the right clothing to stay warm and comfortable for the outside temperature. If it is bitter cold then you should not have any visible skin showing, and you will need to have gloves, scarves, and even ski masks in order to do this. Snowshoes work well in areas with deep snow. Goggles can protect your eyes from any sleet, icy rain, or snow if there are high winds. Layering your clothing is more effective than a single bulky item. Each layer will help trap heat so that you stay warmer during the winter in Fort MacMurray. Make sure the outermost layer is waterproof if possible.

 

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New Schools in Fort MacMurray are Celebrated

schools in Fort MacMurray, school year
schools in Fort MacMurray, school year

There were a few new schools in Fort MacMurray that were opened in time for the new school year, and parents and administrators both celebrated these welcome editions to the school system in the area. There are 2 new elementary schools in Fort MacMurray that were not available to students last year, and although the schedule was tight both managed to open in time for the start of school this year. St. Kateri School, in the Fort MacMurray Catholic School District, opened on September 2nd, although there is still some construction going on even now. In the Fort MacMurray School District the Walter and Gladys Hill Public School also opened on September 2. Both schools are operating normally, with both classes and extracurricular activities already in full swing.

Opening up 2 new elementary schools in Fort MacMurray in time for the new school year means that there are enough spaces for all the elementary students in Fort MacMurray and then some. It is undeniable that the area is growing and expanding quickly, with more people arriving from around Canada and the world every week. Both elementary schools will be connected in the middle by the new community centre, however this part is still under construction. Right now St. Kateri does not have all of the classrooms open, and some classes are larger than normal but there are two teachers instead of one so the quality of learning is not affected. According to St. Kateri principal Valerie Dyck“In the classroom, there would be more students than what would be typical, but there are two teachers in the room at all times. The kids really do get the benefit of if the teacher that happens to be teaching is busy, there’s another teacher walking around, understanding what they’re supposed to be doing. It seems to be working really well.”

 

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Fort McKay Health Study Launching Soon

health study, Fort McKay
health study, Fort McKay

 

First Nations and Metis residents in Fort McKay and the surrounding area will soon launch a health study that is comprehensive in the hopes of addressing community health problems and needs. For years these groups have been frustrated with the Alberta health information and processes, and they decided to launch their own health study in Fort McKay as a result. Starting in September data and health information collection will be undertaken by medical staff in the local community. This collection will hopefully include all of the residents, numbering at more than 700. Physical exams, samples of blood and urine, and even hair samples may be taken. Once all of the health data has been collected it will be turned over to epidemiologists and toxicologists who will review all of the data closely.

The Fort McKay health study will include an examination of the oilsands, and he environmental impacts that they have. Other factors that will be examined and analyzed will include diet, medical history, genetics, substance abuse, lifestyles, obesity, and other activities. According to the resident physician at Fort McKay, Dr. John O’Connor, “This is going to be complete and comprehensive. It must be comprehensive. Let’s look at every determinate of health. We’re going to take the high-road on this study. It’s not like we will try to twist the data towards a conclusion we’re looking for. This is going to be very thorough. The assumption is the government has decided they have other priorities, despite their public announcement. So it’s time to stop waiting and take things into the hands of the community.”

 

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Missing Women March Held by First Nations

missing women, First Nations
missing women, First Nations

 

Members of the First Nations recently held a march for missing women, some of who have been found murdered since they disappeared. Last Saturday more than 60 people, many who were First Nations or Meti’s but some who were simply supporters, marched in Fort MacMurrayto bring attention to the fact that the federal government has refused to start an inquiry into the numerous Aboriginal women who have either disappeared never to be seen again or who have been murdered. The march started off down Franklin Ave at Borealis Park and ended at Keyano College. According to Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Steve Courtoreille “The prime minister would rather spend spend money on looking for an expedition lost a hundred years ago.”

Instead of starting an inquiry into the missing women, and into cases where First Nations women who have been murdered, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that he was launching a naval expedition to search for signs of the 1845 Franklin Expedition which was doomed. First Nation Chief Steve Courtoreille responded to the naval expedition announcement by stating “Instead of lashing out in anger, say a prayer for him. Prayers are very powerful. Pray he changes his mind and does the right thing. It’s up to us as First Nations people and at the grassroots to put the pressure on the prime minister.” Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam commented that “There is already a lot of mistrust from First Nations towards the Harper government. Even if Harper does the right thing eventually, a lot of First Nations will never forgive him because of this delay.”