Advertisement.
Hydrologists at the Northwest Territories government have received the Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award for their efforts over the past five years.
Since 2020, the NWT has experienced a watery rollercoaster.
First, there was so much water that parts of the territory set records. Then a drought moved in and records began appearing at the other end of the spectrum, causing major changes to the landscape and disrupting barge traffic on the Mackenzie River.
Throughout that period, the GNWT’s hydrologists have been tasked with understanding what is happening during river breakup and flood season, then communicating that to decision-makers and residents.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
“The team has diligently monitored water levels and ice conditions via satellite imagery, hydrometric gauges, live camera feeds and remotely sensed data,” reads a citation for their work on the award’s webpage.
“Their commitment to keeping communities at risk of flooding safe is apparent with the team’s extensive working hours. This has allowed for prompt updates to be provided to first responders on changes in water flow and levels, and other factors that could trigger a flood.”
Named recipients who have worked on the team are Anna Coles, Ryan Connon and Shawne Kokelj.
The NWT government publicized their recognition late last month.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
Other northern residents among 2024-25 recipients of the award include Tony Brushett, the Yellowknife Salvation Army executive director, who is named alongside colleagues for their work with the Salvation Army’s national emergency disaster services team.
That team’s “response efforts during wildfires in British Columbia, Northwest Territories and Alberta, as well as hurricanes in the Atlantic provinces, have been crucial in supporting evacuees and first responders,” their citation states.
“The team’s innovative use of mobile support units and disaster canteen trucks has significantly bolstered their ability to deliver effective assistance.”
Simon Bradley, who has a background in Alberta search and rescue, is recognized for his work with the federal Task Force 2, which was deployed to Yellowknife during 2023’s evacuation.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s emergency social services team is recognized in part for its work responding to 2023’s wildfires in Fort Chipewyan, Fort Smith and Hay River. During the NWT fires, the municipality helped nearly 450 evacuees.
