Counting cost of Imperial closure, Norman Wells starts residents’ Q&A

The Town of Norman Wells has begun an online question-and-answer process with residents as it tries to plan for the loss of millions of dollars a year in tax revenue from Imperial Oil.

The company is closing its oil field, which formed the town’s economic reason for being over the past century. About two-thirds of the municipality’s annual revenue is understood to be at stake.

The town has now begun an online Q&A designed to help municipal staff and elected officials better understand residents’ concerns – and help residents better understand the situation.

“We know that we will be receiving the full 2026 tax amounts from Imperial and we need to look to cuts as of September 2026. Downsizing our services is a major stressor for our community which requires careful management to mitigate negative outcomes,” the town stated in an accompanying message.

The town said it is preparing a draft three-year budget that will set out how services might be gradually reduced.

“We have money in our reserves which can offset some of our lost revenue and we wish to save money up front while transitioning off our existing tax base within a 3-year period,” the town stated.

“Difficult times and hard decisions require facts. We want to ensure that the community gets the facts, not rumour and potential misinformation.”

Questions posed in the Q&A include: “What information do you need Council to make available as we go through this process?”

A separate question asks: “What creative solutions do you have to contribute?” (One anonymous response states: “Not enough information is available now for residents to give solutions.”)

The town says it is speaking with the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government – which recently received self-government rights in the area – and the NWT government.

It’s also considering whether town status remains appropriate, or whether a procedure exists to become a village or hamlet.

“Tax revenue reduction will hit us in 2027. We do not have our final tax dollars, but we know that we will be losing millions in tax dollars which we have been dependent on for many years,” the town wrote.

“Municipal and Community Affairs has agreed to helping fund a new strategic and community plan which will help us envision our community into the future.

“We are developing a comprehensive advocacy plan which will be deployed to all levels of government.”