As ice continues to melt across the Territory and the days grow warmer, Hay River Mayor Kandis Jameson believes that her community won’t face the same challenges they have in the last few years.
In regards to the possibility of once again facing fires this year, Mayor Jameson had this to say.
“I’m very confident that we’re in a good place. I don’t think that there is a huge threat to our community. Like I’ve said before, there’s a whole bunch of hectares that stand between us and what’s coming at us, and there’s a lake on the other side.”
“We’re not going to see what we saw last year, that’s for sure. Should there be fires that come at the community, I’m totally confident that we’ll be able to defend the community from them.”
As for water levels, and the possibility of facing more floods, Mayor Jameson isn’t too worried about that either.
“As for water, there is no water. Ice jamming is always a possibility, however, with how much water, there just isn’t any in the basin, and there isn’t any here. Our lake is at record lows.”
Jameson stated that she’s feeling cautiously optimistic on both fronts.
When asked if there is anything that Hay River residents can do to help keep the community as safe as possible, Jameson said that firesmarting homes is likely the best option, as well as making sure vehicles have at least half a tank of gas in them, should the need ever arise.
While she restated her confidence that Hay River will have a nice, quiet year, she reiterated that residents should still be ready and prepared.
