The GNWT is now providing financial aid to the community of Norman Wells to help offset the increased transportation and fuel prices that they are experiencing.
As of November 16th, gasoline prices in Norman Wells have been reduced by approximately $0.75/litre, while the wholesale cost of motive diesel and diesel home heating fuel reduced by approximately $0.86/litre.
These changes are intended to bring the prices in Norman Wells closer to the expected prices that will be standard after the winter road resupply in 2025. That resupply is expected to meet the community’s fuel needs until at least early 2026.
Caroline Wawzonek, the Minister of Infrastructure, said in a statement that the “government recognizes the significant financial challenges that this crisis has created for the people of Norman Wells, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to provide meaningful relief. By adding this new fuel subsidy to our earlier support measures—such as the $1.8 million in emergency funding and the enhanced Senior Home Heating Subsidy—we hope to make a real difference for the community. We understand the work doesn’t stop here; we are committed to working alongside local leadership, Indigenous governments, the Government of Canada, and private industry to address climate-related challenges and build a more resilient future for the region.”
The community has been experiencing supply issues throughout the year due to low water levels on the Mackenzie River. Norman Wells has been relying more and more on expensive airlift supply deliveries. The GNWT has previously given $1.8 million to community businesses in the Sahtu and Beaufort Delta regions.
