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The NWT government expressed optimism on Thursday that the 2025 barge resupply season could involve sailings to Sahtu communities as usual.
Last season’s Sahtu resupply season – to communities that don’t have a year-round road connection – was wiped out by low water levels on the Mackenzie River.
On Thursday, announcing its cargo acceptance dates for the summer, Marine Transportation Services said the Canadian Coast Guard had begun placing navigational buoys between the MTS base in Hay River and Fort Providence.
“MTS is hopeful that a sufficient number of buoys will be placed to allow sailing operations to begin in the Sahtu,” the territorial government stated. (MTS is operated by the GNWT.)
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MTS said on Thursday it is accepting cargo departing from Hay River to Tulita, Norman Wells and Fort Good Hope until Monday, June 30.
“Residents should be aware that MTS sailing schedules can be subject to change depending on conditions and [they] may be required to pick up their cargo if the barge cannot sail,” the territory stated.
“MTS is working to monitor water levels and the overall situation as operations progress; they remain optimistic about the 2025 season.”
