Tag: Fort Chipewyan

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Alberta Economic Ft Mac Health

Nutrition North Canada Program Adds Dozens of Communities Including Fort Chipewyan

The Nutrition North Canada Program has added dozens of communities to the food subsidy program, and Fort Chipewyan is one of those added. The program helps subsidize the cost for food shipments because the communities are remote or difficult to access so the cost of shipping food in must be considered in the final cost. A number of tehse communities can only be reached by air during much of the year. According to Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta and the Mikisew Cree First Nation leader Chief Steve Courtoreille “It’s been a long time coming and disappointing it’s been overlooked for so long, holding us at the mercy of high food prices. In a community as far north as ours, getting nutritious food has been a struggle for seniors, for the sick and for those on fixed-incomes. It’s unfortunately been like that for years.”

Fort Chipewyan is the only Alberta community to be added to the Nutrition North Canada program, the rest of the added communities are from other provinces. Chief Courtoreille said “I can’t stress how vital this is for us. Our next step is to look at how this will work and how we can distribute cheaper healthy food, but this is a big deal.” The Fort Chipewyan community will hopefully gain better access to fresh foods which are healthy, like fresh fruits and vegetables, which can be offered at reasonable prices. It is hoped that this in turn will help lower the rate of diabetes and obesity for the entire community, promoting better choices and a healthier style of eating.

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Alberta Ft Mac

Firearm Thefts in Fort Chipewyan Under Investigation

The Wood Buffalo RCMP is investigating after firearm thefts in Fort Chipewyan occurred on May 31, 2016, and police need help from the public about the crime and those responsible. A theft complaint was made to the RCMP on May 31, and officers responded to Henry Drive where they determined that there were 2 firearms taken from a parked vehicle that was in the driveway of the residence. According to the complainant the firearm thefts happened between 9 pm the previous night at 9 am that morning. According to Wood Buffalo RCMP Cpl. George Cameron there are no charges pending against anyone at this time. The police do not have many leads to go on and they need people to come forward with any information that they may have so that the crime can be solved.

According to Cpl. Cameron “There were pieces of the firearms left on the property. We’re hoping someone will feel comfortable enough to come forward with any information.” Since the Fort Chipewyan firearm thefts indicate that the weapons were modified and it is unknown who has these weapons this is a big concern. Wood Buffalo has seen a number of shootings in the last few years and the firearms taken could contribute to this trend if they are not recovered quickly. It is believed that a Mossberg .410 shotgun and a Coory older model .22 calibre single shot rifle were taken, and that a tool which was either a saw or something similar was used by the thief to remove the rifle’s barrel. Both of the weapons also had the stock removed. Anyone who knows anything can contact tipsubmit.com online, Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477, or the Fort Chipewyan RCMP by calling 780-679-3931.

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Alberta Economic Health

Food Crisis in Fort Chipewyan Averted by Good Hunting Opportunities and Food Drops

Fort Chipewyan came close to a food crisis a few weeks ago after the wildfire caused the evacuation of Fort McMurray, with Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Steve Courtoreille warning that the small hamlet could be completely out of food within 5 days if something was not done about the problem. More people meant more food was needed, and many hit the only grocery store in Fort Chipewyan to stock up before supplies became scarce. Many worried that this could have a devastating impact on food prices, with the cost rising and many who have a limited income suffering as a result. The smoke from the wildfire sent an abundance of geese north into the hunting area for the group though, and the hunters were quick to take advantage. According to 32 year old Cree trapper Robert Grandjambe “I’ve been contacted by people who haven’t contacted me before, looking for some meat. The food situation is not so bad now. But people are so dependent nowadays on the store and this really triggers awareness.”

Those who rely solely on the Fort Chipewyan grocery store often face shock over prices, with 10 pounds of potatoes priced at up to $25 and a pint of blueberries costing around $11. Any upward movement of food prices could severely impact the ability of seniors and low income residents to afford enough food. Thanks to regular food drops prices have stayed stable right now but the hunting by First Nation members definitely helps the food stretch further. According to Fort Chipewyan Metis vice president Blue Eyes Simpson “The food situation is becoming pretty stable right now. The Northern has groceries trucked into Vermillion that are then flown in. There are planes with groceries that are dispersed to evacuees.”

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Ft Mac

The Fort Chipewyan Winter Road Weight Limit Now 10,000 Kilograms

Fort Chipewyan, winter road

In the initial stages the Fort Chipewyan winter road had a very low weight limit, and warmer temperatures meant that crews had to work at night instead of working during the day. The weight limit for this route now is set at 10,000 kilograms according to a recent press release from RMWB. The press release also includes recommendations that include using vehicles which are 4X4 and which have high clearance. According to the municipality they are asking that drivers “obey all posted signage and watch for workers on the road.” There are still rough sections in the delta area, and only one truck should be on the road at a time. Failing to pay attention to the surroundings and take into account the weather conditions could be dangerous or even deadly when traveling on the winter road.

Drivers who use the Fort Chipewyan winter road need to understand that the conditions may require an adjustment in speed, and they need to pay close attention to any signs as they are traveling on the road. It is advisable to have an emergency preparedness kit and to be completely aware of the hazards that could be encountered when using the winter road. In severe weather conditions being stranded could be disastrous, and if you are not fully prepared it could also be fatal. Remember that when you are on the winter road to Fort Chipewyan the usual services and amenities like coverage for cell phones, gas stations, and even regular road patrols are not available.

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Economic Ft Mac

Winter Road to Fort Chipewyan to Officially Open Tomorrow

Fort Chipewyan, winter road

The winter road to Fort Chipewyan will officially open tomorrow, Tuesday December 15. The opening is on schedule in spite of recent weather that forced crews to work on the road at night because the daytime temperatures were warmer than normal. After the road opens initial traffic will have some restrictions due to weather factors. Only light traffic, and vehicles that weigh a maximum of 5,000 kilograms will be allowed to use the winter road, and high clearance 4X4 vehicles are recommended right now according to the RMWB. Drivers are also cautioned that the delta section still has some rough road. According to an MWB press release drivers are asked to obey all of the signage posted along the road, and to keep an eye out for workers who are continuing their efforts to prepare the road for the expected winter traffic.

Drivers who travel the Fort Chipewyan winter road need to be prepared for any type of emergency. The road does not offer any gas stations, cell phone coverage is almost nonexistent along much of the winter road, and there are not any road patrols which look for motorists in trouble. Drivers who become stranded in the cold weather temperatures could quickly face serious trouble along the winter road if they are not properly prepared. Updates on the road condition and any restrictions in place can be found on social media and the website for RMWB. The La Loche winter trail has not opened yet this year and is still under construction, but this trail is expected to open up later in December if everything goes as planned. Have you ever used the Fort Chipewyan winter road? Why, and what was your experience?

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Alberta Economic Ft Mac Health

Nutrition North Receives Additional Funding, Many Push to Add Fort Chipewyan to the Program

Fort Chipewyan, Nutrition North

The Nutrition North will receive a $32 million investment, and this is intended to help improve the access to food for northern communities. With the announcement of the additional funding many are pushing once more to add Fort Chipewyan to the program. According to a statement by Thomas Mulcair, the NDP Leader, when he stopped in Iqaluit on Tuesday “Stephen Harper has used northern communities as convenient photo-ops for years while failing to address the most basic concerns of families – access to affordable food.” Attempts to include Fort Chipewyan in the Nutrition North program have been made in the past but these attempts were not successful. According to estimates frm the NDP the cost of this move would be around $211,000.

Being part of the Nutrition Noth program would offer some relief to many in the Fort Chipewyan community, a community where food can be very costly. The program allows retailers to receive public funds intended to offset higher transportation and food costs for remote communities, and the subsidy is passed along to the community in the form of lower and more affordable food prices. Fort McMurray-Cold Lake’s NDP candidate Melody Lepine has stated her intention to keep fighting to include Fort Chipewyan in the Nutrition North program. Many point out that the cost of food in Fort Chipewyan can rival what is found in the most remote northern communities. A 4 litre bottle of milk can be as high as $18. Lepine also supports adjusting the Zone status of the entire Fort McMurray region, saying “Moving into a Zone A region with high pay would be an incentive for people moving here. The cost of living is a concern I keep hearing from constituents. This would help during tax time and put a little more money in their pockets.”