First Covid-19 case found in Hay River Case related to Edmonton flight connecting to Hub; passengers have been contacted

Volume 48 Issue 43 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020 $1.00 (.95 + GST) That's The a wrap!

HHay River, Noubrthwest Territories Community Masks now mandatory in town facilities

News

Traditional art contest at Friendship Centre

Sports A flurry of training for Paul Bickford/NNSL photo lifeguards in A group of volunteers – including Sarah Slade – gathered at the airport on Dec. 12 to wrap up gifts for Secret Santa, the annual initiative to help needy families the Hub in Hay River and on the Hay River Reserve. The Secret Santa distribution of gifts is scheduled for Dec. 19.

Publication mail Contract #40012157 "We are trying to actually accelerate that, if possible."

7 71605 00200 2 – Caroline Wawzonek, minister of ITI, thinks work on the fish plant will begin sooner than planned, page 8. 2 ▼ Wednesday, December 16, 2020 www.hayriverhub.com www.hayriverhub.com Wednesday, December 16, 2020 ▼ 3 Did we get it wrong? Hay River Hub is committed to getting facts and fact file names right. With that goes a commitment to acknowledge mistakes and run corrections. If you spot an error in Hay nwt covid-19 situation as of Dec. 15 River Hub, call 867-873-4031 or email editor@ssimicro. com. We'll get a correction or clarification in as soon as we can. Active cases: 7 Days since first confirmed case: 270 Confirmed cases: 22 Days since last confirmed case: 0 Recovered cases: 15 Common symptoms: Fever, (60 per cent), muscle News Completed tests: 8,886 aches or pain (53 per cent), cough (53 per cent), Negative tests: 8,865 Scan for the sore throat (33 per cent), diharrhea (13 per cent), latest GNWT Briefs Pending tests: 146 Covid-19 statistics difficulty breathing (seven per cent) Town mailing out Source: Office of the Chief Officer taxation reminders The Town of Hay River is in the process of mailing out reminders to property owners who are in arrears or delinquent on their municipal taxes. First case of Covid-19 "Property taxes were due Sept. 30," Sam Mugford, the town's director of finance, told the Dec. 7 online meeting of council. "So, any amounts owing are accruing interest." Mugford explained that property taxes that are considered delinquent have been owed for identified in Hay River more than a year, and those properties can be put up for tax sale in the subsequent year. "So, if there are balances owing from 2019, those properties are eligible to be put up for tax sale in 2021 per PATA, which is the legislation that we follow," he said, referring to the Property Assessment and Taxation Act of the territorial government. Winners announced for Campground Christmas The winners have been announced in the first-annual Campground Christmas, a competi- tion that created drive-thru displays of festive lights at Hay River Territorial Park. The colourful display was held over three evenings from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6. The idea was that individuals, groups and businesses rented campsites and decorated them in a contest that awarded prizes in two categor- ies – residential and business. In the business category, Castaway Cabins claimed first place, while second place went to the Hay River RCMP and third to Shirley's Dayhome. In the residential category, Candy Cane Ladies won first place, while Margaret Jerome took second place and Bonnie Crowther claimed Pixabay illustration third. The novel coronavirus – which causes Covid-19 – has arrived in Hay River. The GNWT announced on Dec. 12 that There were 24 teams in the competition. the first case of the disease has been identified in the community. Operation Gingerbread Dr. Kami Kandola cautions against misinformation proceeds well for town Paul Bickford not considered contacts and they should con- "The Town of Hay River encourages Ross Potter, Hay River’s director of protect- [email protected] tinue following routine public health advice. residents to continue to follow the recom- ive services, says the municipality's involvement Public health has worked with the air- mendations and orders of the Office of the in Operation Gingerbread is going well. After months of the community avoiding lines to identify all individuals potentially at Chief Public Health Officer, including wear- Operation Gingerbread is the RCMP's annual a pandemic sweeping the world, the first risk on the flights. All of those passengers ing masks, maintaining physical distancing, traffic enforcement campaign against impaired case of Covid-19 has been identified in Hay have been contacted from the First Air increasing hand washing, limiting gather- driving, which began on Dec. 1 and will run to River. flight. Staff is in the process of reaching the ings, and practicing adherence to self-isola- New Year's Day. The case was announced on Dec. 12 in at-risk passengers on the Canadian North tion requirements," stated the message from The town's protective services specialist, also a news release from the Office of the Chief flight. Mayor Kandis Jameson. "These procedures known as the bylaw officer, has participated in Public Health Officer for the NWT. A small number of additional contacts are intended to mitigate risks surrounding check stops for the campaign. According to the release, the individual, have all been reached and provided isolation transmission of Covid-19." "We're kind of blown away by the number who was tested for Covid-19 after returning advice. Jameson concluded her message by of people that don't carry registration, insurance to the NWT from domestic travel, has been "Other contacts were limited," stated the advising residents to be safe and respectful. documentation and licence documentation with isolating since returning and is doing well. news release. "Public health has not identi- Coun. Keith Dohey took to Facebook on them," Potter told the Dec. 7 online meeting of An investigation identified two flights fied any further public exposures." Dec. 12 with a message for the community. town council. "I think this is a chance to remind in early December with some exposure risk Later in the evening of Dec. 12, Dr. Kami "I know that people are panicking a bit everybody that this is all stuff that you must related to the Covid-19 case in Hay River. Kandola, the chief public health officer for or anxious, nervous," he wrote. "That's okay, keep in your vehicles. Otherwise there could be Exposures on flights typically occur the NWT, took to Twitter to strongly reject we've been living in our little bubble for some repercussions that you don't really want when people are travelling before they misinformation about the case in Hay River. the last nine months while the rest of the to have." develop symptoms, since there are measures "There are no additional cases of Covid- world has been dealing with this situation in place to prevent people with symptoms 19 which have been identified at this time, constantly. We've been incredibly fortun- New rapid-testing devices from flying. no one being sought by the GNWT or any ate to be able to hold out this long, but this introduced across NWT The Public Health Agency of other agency, and no one who is unaccount- was something we all knew, or should have Six communities will be receiving new considers that people seated three rows in ed for in our investigation," Kandola wrote. known was inevitable." Covid-19 rapid-testing devices that can produce front and three rows behind a person with "This situation is under control." Dohey said nobody wants to get Covid results in as little as 15 minutes, announced Covid-19 could be contacts. Kandola noted misinformation had been and spread it around, especially in the North the Health and Social Services Authorities on The news release identified the two circulating on Facebook since the release of where there is a vulnerable population. Dec. 9. flights related to the Hay River case as: the advisory about the Hay River case. "Let's remember to be kind to each other Hay River, Fort Smith, Norman Wells, Beh- • Canadian North, flight number 238, "Please – do not spread misinformation and treat each other with the respect we choko, Fort Simpson, and began from Edmonton to Yellowknife on Dec. and rumours," she said. "They hurt all of us would all hope to be treated with if it were using the Abbot ID Now devices on Dec. 7. 4, with rows four to 10 potentially by causing needless panic, and will prevent us," the councillor wrote. "I'm already seeing Plans are in place to expand to other commun- exposed. Everyone who had flown from people from coming forward for Covid-19 Facebook blowing up with accusations and ities in the coming weeks, according the news Edmonton would have been required to testing. Being kind to each other is how to innuendo. So let's all take a deep breath, put release. self-isolate. get through this – not with fear." the swords down and carry on doing what The NWT now as 21 rapid testing devices • First Air, flight number 608, from Yellow- On Dec. 12, the Town of Hay River has been recommended from the start. operational and their quick results "ensure rapid knife to Hay River on Dec. 4, with rows issued a public notice informing commun- "Follow the guidelines we all know, they results to support a quick public health response." seven to 13 potentially exposed. ity residents that Kandola's office had con- aren't that difficult and let's deal with this the – Brett McGarry The Office of the Chief Public Health firmed the community's first recorded case way we deal with everything in Hay River. Officer reported that others on the planes are of Covid-19. Together and with our all." 4 ▼ Wednesday, December 16, 2020 www.hayriverhub.com Speed limit lowered on section of Highway 2 because of new shelter Crosswalk with warning lights planned for summer

Paul Bickford The Moving Forward Emergency Shelter tickets in the zone. vices specialist," Potter said. "We're not plan- [email protected] for Men and Women opened its doors on Sept. "That will be an educational thing rather ning on handing out a whole bunch of tickets 1. It is located on Industrial Drive just behind than a ticketing thing for our protective ser- through that area because it is new." The speed limit has been lowered on a Home Hardware, and on the other side of the short section of Highway 2 in Hay River highway from downtown Hay River. because people are crossing at that point to get The issue of the new speed limit was raised to a new homeless shelter. at the Dec. 7 online meeting of town council. On Dec. 7, the speed limit was decreased "I've had some comments from residents from 60 kilometres per hour to 50 kilometres with respect to the speed limit on the Mack- per hour on 350 metres of the highway as it enzie Highway that crosses the path to Home passes Spruce Road in the vicinity of Hay Hardware," said Coun. Steve Anderson, River Home Hardware. explaining they are concerned that it's such a Signs were installed on that day to indicate small area in which to reduce the speed. the change. "I think it's probably a window for people "Following the opening of an emergency to get tickets needlessly," he said. shelter near the intersection of Highway 2 and Anderson added that, rather than a change Spruce Road, safety concerns were raised by of speed limit, it might have been better to the community due to the higher presence of erect signs to tell motorists to be prepared to pedestrians crossing the intersection," said slow down. Sonia Idir, a communications officer with the The councillor also suggested that it would Department of Infrastructure in Yellowknife. probably be a good idea to add more lighting "To ensure the safety of all road users, the to the area. GNWT reduced the speed limit on the section Ross Potter, the town's director of protect- of Highway 2," she said. ive services, said the municipality's protective "A crosswalk with warning lights will be services specialist, also known as the bylaw installed in summer 2021." officer, will not be writing many speeding

Paul Bickford/NNSL photo The speed limit has been lowered on a short section of Highway 2 as a result of the recent opening of a homeless shelter across the road from downtown Hay River. www.hayriverhub.com Wednesday, December 16, 2020 ▼ 5

Paul Bickford/NNSL photo Stacey Barnes, the council administrator with the Town of Hay River, displays some of the facemasks at the front counter of town hall, one of the municipal facilities where it is now mandatory to wear a facemask as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. There are a few exceptions for sports, fitness activities and dining. Town of Hay River requires facemasks for its facilities Exceptions for sports, fitness activities and dining Paul Bickford fitness programming and/ [email protected] or other events previously approved by the chief public The Town of Hay River health officer of the NWT. has announced a mandatory Facemasks are also facemask policy for its facili- required at The Sub on the ties. Hub and the Curling Club, Effective Dec. 14, the where patrons are required requirement covers all to wear facemasks until they employees and anyone else are seated at a table and con- entering and remaining in suming food or beverages. the buildings. Council passed a motion "The town is committed during its Dec. 7 online to ensuring that employ- meeting to direct town ees and patrons are having administration to develop safe interactions within our and implement a facemask facilities," stated a Dec. 11 policy for all enclosed facili- announcement from the ties operated by the muni- town. cipality. Approved facemasks Mayor Kandis Jameson must completely cover the noted the policy only applies nose, mouth and chin. to municipal facilities. "Public will be refused "We're not dictating to service should they not anyone else," she said. comply with wearing an Glenn Smith, the senior approved facemask within administrative officer with the Town of Hay River facili- the town, said that other ties," the statement added. communities with facemask "Anyone who is unable to policies had been consulted, wear an approved facemask such as the Town of Fort must identify yourself as Smith. soon as you enter a facility A number of other organ- or call ahead for recommen- izations and businesses in dations." Hay River previously imple- Exceptions for tempor- mented facemask require- ary removal of facemasks ments, including the post will be while participating in office, Ring's Drugstore and athletics, aquatics activities, the liquor store. 6 ▼ Wednesday, December 16, 2020 www.hayriverhub.com Hub Historical Quote 2011 "I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I CCNA should have been more specific." Opinion – Lily Tomlin The

HHay River, Northuwest Tebrritories 'Tis the season for Established in 1973 Published Wednesdays by Northern News Services Limited Phone (867) 873-4031 drunk driving Fax (867) 873-8507 [email protected] Northern News Services illegal, reckless and dangerous? www.nnsl.com Every December it's the For many years – perhaps Display ad deadline: same thing. generations – there have 4 p.m. Friday prior to The RCMP and its partners been public service messages Wednesday publication launch a campaign against against impaired driving on our drunk driving. televisions. Is there anyone in Subscription rates: In Canada $70 The names have Canada who hasn't Online $50 changed – from seen the mes- Operation Rednose editorial sages from Arrive REPORTER until 2015 to Oper- Alive Drive Sober Paul Bickford ation Gingerbread today – but or from Mothers Against Drunk [email protected] ADVERTISING the goal is still the same. Driving? Petra Memedi The police want to keep Those groups, along with [email protected] drunk drivers off the roads dur- the RCMP and other police [email protected] ing the holiday season, when forces, have done a great job NNSL file photo festive visiting and celebrat- The RCMP and its partners have once again launched Oper- in spreading the message that ation Gingerbread – an annual initiative against impaired driving ing leads to an unfortunate impaired driving is dangerous over the holidays. In Hay River, Operation Gingerbread involves increase in impaired driving. and could be deadly. many people working to keep roads safer, including, left to right, It will be interesting to see if More than that, the public Const. Travis Rosborough, the protective services specialist with this holiday season of Covid-19 education campaigns have the Town of Hay River; emergency responders Stacey Barnes, will actually mean a decrease also changed attitudes towards Henry Braun, Samantha Boer and Kori Bourne; Gary Carter in impaired driving. After all, drunk driving. of Carter Industries; emergency responder Crystal Potter; and there should be fewer oppor- As hard as it is to imagine Const. Keelian Chicoisne of the RCMP. tunities for gatherings at which today, there was once a time to drink too much and then get when impaired driving was not It would seem that there is patient with impaired drivers. behind the wheel. as condemned by society as it not much more you can do with They have been sufficiently edu- However, it's likely that Covid- is now. It was always illegal, but public education. cated, advised and warned. It's 19 will make little difference. If it was not uncommon to hear And enforcement seems almost as if society is now beg- some people don't take enough people almost proudly telling to be at its limit. There are ging them to stop. care to avoid drunk driving, it's stories about how they drove already check stops during the Unfortunately, some people Founder (1934-2018) doubtful they will be overly con- home even though they were Christmas season and a few are going to drive drunk no mat- J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason cerned about following Covid-19 feeling drunk. years ago the police were given ter what they are told, and even PUBLISHER, CEO restrictions. Thankfully those days are the power to demand a breath when they know it is morally Bruce Valpy So there will be drunk driv- sample from a motorist during wrong, illegal and dangerous to [email protected] gone, but drunk driving is still Chief Financial Officer ers again this Christmas, as here. any legal traffic stop. themselves and others. Judy Triffo at other times throughout the So what are we to do when So the only thing left seems At this point, the law has coordinating editoR year, despite all the efforts to some people still drive while to be increased deterrence, to become stricter, because it Craig Gilbert stop them. impaired, even after decades or punishment if you will, for seems nothing else is going to [email protected] That is a disheartening thing of public education, police anyone who is irresponsible stop drunk drivers. to say. After all, who doesn't enforcement and even some- enough to drive while impaired. Maybe tougher laws will know that impaired driving is what stricter penalties? Society has been more than catch their attention. Why do you volunteer with Secret Santa? Publishers of • Hay River Hub • Inuvik Drum • Kivalliq News • Yellowknifer • NWT News/North • News/North You

Hay River Hub 14B 66 Woodland Dr. Box 4434 Said Hay River, NT X0E 0R8 Canada Post #2180316 Return undeliverable Canada mail to above address Mail Reg. #07426 ISSN 0714-5810 It!

Kelly Webster Phyllis Gibbons Rhonda Plamondon Kristen Slade "I think it's important "It's such a wonderful "It's just the spirit of giv- "Because it's a nice way for everybody to have thing to be a part of, ing and sharing in the to do something helpful something under the especially this year to community." for the community." We acknowledge the financial support of the Christmas tree. And have a child have that Government of Canada. wrapping is a way that I Christmas gift that they Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du can contribute to make can open." gouvernement du Canada. sure that happens." www.hayriverhub.com Wednesday, December 16, 2020 ▼ 7 Annual Christmas Bird Count set for Dec. 19 Hay River area again part of international conservation effort

Paul Bickford [email protected]

A date has been set for the annual Christmas Bird Count in the Hay River area. The local version of the international conservation effort will be held on Dec. 19. Gary Vizniowski, the com- piler for the Christmas Bird Count in Hay River, said that, as usual, it will be the first Saturday in the time period during which the count must be held. Vizniowski is expecting about the same number of species to be spotted as last year, when 15 different kinds of birds were seen. "We should be able to get that again this year," he said, although he noted there may be more because some birds are around later into the win- ter than usual. One of those species is the common grackle, a type of blackbird. "Right now, we've got two common grackles that have been around all fall," said Vizniowski. "I've got one at my house." A couple of robins have also been spotted around town. Plus, Vizniowski noted he recently heard there are still a couple of dark-eyed juncos in town. Photo courtesy of Gary Vizniowski That species is common This common grackle – a kind of blackbird – has been recently spotted in Hay River. It may be one of the species seen during the in the summer, he said. "But annual Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 19. they should have been gone a couple of months ago." reserve conduct a count there. As for why the warm- Vizniowski noted that all those weather species are still involved in the count will fol- around, Vizniowski said that's low public health guidelines hard to say. concerning Covid-19. "It might be the temper- "We don't have a big ature," he said, noting it was meeting beforehand to dis- unseasonably warm early in cuss things. We do it over December. the phone," he said. "Most of Vizniowski is still looking them are feeder watchers, so for volunteers to help with the they're just looking out their Christmas Bird Count. living room window counting "I picked up a couple of birds." more last year and I think A Christmas Bird Count I've got a couple of more this has taken place in the Hay year again," he said. "We're River area in most years since going to have a lot of feeder the 1970s. watchers and there's going to The count is part of an be three or four of us that are international conservation looking at different parts of initiative that began 120 years town." ago. Last year, 10 volunteers Each year, Birds Canada helped out with the effort. and the National Audubon Normally, some counters Society in the United States would look around the Hay co-ordinate more than 2,500 River Reserve, but Vizniow- counts to collect informa- ski said no one from Hay tion on how winter birds are River will be going onto the faring. reserve this year. That is out The count must be held of respect for K'atlodeeche sometime between Dec. 14 First Nation's request that and Jan. 6. people stay off the reserve In the Hay River area, it – unless going to the Ehdah takes place within an unchan- Cho Store – because of con- ging designated circle, which cerns about Covid-19. is 24 km in diameter and Instead, he is hoping to centred near the Hay River have someone who lives on the Regional Health Centre. 8 ▼ Wednesday, December 16, 2020 www.hayriverhub.com ITI minister says construction of new fish plant may begin in spring Wawzonek in Hay River for meetings on commercial fishery

Paul Bickford she said. "I think there was some uncertainty about how detailed design," she said. "We obviously have a fairly good [email protected] quickly we'd be able to get the RFP (the request for propos- sense of the ask that we're making for those that are going als) out, and we were able to get the RFP out this fall. And to be bidding, but we're asking for the design portion of the The minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) also, just the way things have shaken down, we're actually contract by January. And then the building portion to be is expressing some optimism that a new fish plant in Hay hoping that construction could begin this coming spring and completed thereafter, likely into May, and at that point the River may be built sooner than anticipated. summer. And depending on how that moves along we may full contracts would hopefully be awarded. And we could be Minister Caroline Wawzonek noted the government's well be operational in 2022." off to the races for the construction season." mandate document for the 19th Legislative Assembly esti- Wawzonek explained there are two parts to the RFP for a A tender for construction was cancelled last year after mated a new plant would be operational by the fall of 2023. design-build contract. two bids for the work were both in excess of $14 million, "We are trying to actually accelerate that, if possible," "What that means is the first part is really to get more which was significantly over budget. In January of 2019, the federal government and the GNWT announced joint funding of $8.9 million to build a new fish plant in Hay River. Wawzonek believes the new process could result in a fish plant proposal that the government can afford. She noted the project was reviewed by Memorial Uni- versity of Newfoundland, which has experience in terms of the fishing industry in Canada, both freshwater and ocean fishing. The review reduced the size of the plant by about 32 per cent, Wawzonek said, noting that also reduces the cost to build and the operations and maintenance cost in the future. "But they also were able to support us with being a plant that has greater flexibility in the kinds of products to be delivered," she said of the Memorial University review, add- ing that will help the fishing industry evolve and grow, and adapt to markets. The existing fish plant in Hay River is owned by the fed- eral Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. Wawzonek visited Hay River on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 for meetings on the Great Slave Lake commercial fish- ery with a number of organizations, including the Tu Cho Fishers Co-operative, the NWT Fishermen's Federation, K'atlodeeche First Nation, the NWT Metis Nation and rep- resentatives of fishers in Fort Providence. "We're not quite done all of our outreach, but it was a busy two days," she said, noting she is still relatively new to the ITI portfolio. The minister said she wanted to have one-on-one meet- ings with all the different players in the industry, and those who may be interested in becoming more involved. Wawzonek said other things were discussed besides a new fish plant, including training opportunities, establishing collection stations on the lake and revitalizing the winter fishery. The ITI minister said she also plans to meet with fishers on the north side of Great Slave Lake.

NNSL file photo Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister Caro- line Wawzonek was recently in Hay River for two days of discussions about the commercial fishery on Great Slave Lake. www.hayriverhub.com Wednesday, December 16, 2020 ▼ 9 Friendship Centre presenting competition for traditional art Special contest to award five prizes of $1,000 Paul Bickford way to help artists in this time of [email protected] Covid-19 with funding from the Department of Education, Culture A unique competition for trad- and Employment. itional artists and craftspeople is "We just want to support the being presented by Soaring Eagle artisans of the town," she said, Friendship Centre. noting things like art shows can't It's called the Traditional take place as in previous years. B.E.A.R. Art & Craft Contest. "So we had the funding from arts The B.E.A.R. in the contest and culture from the NWT, and name comes from the B.E.A.R they said think about if you can Store at the Friendship Centre do something." where there is a collection of The payments for some of the traditional art on sale. B.E.A.R. entries and the prizes will help stands for Beneficial Exploration artists buy more materials for of Ambition and Resourcefulness. their craft, Anand said. "And just Artists and craftspeople can motivate them to keep working, submit their work to the contest and be hopeful." – from Dec. 14 to the morning Artwork and crafts will be of Dec. 17 – to be judged by the accepted from Hay River, board of directors of the Friend- K'atlodeeche First Nation, West ship Centre. Point First Nation and Enterprise. The judging will take place Anand said Soaring Eagle on Dec. 17 and will determine Friendship Centre is happy to which pieces will be accepted for support artists through the new the contest. The creators of the contest by buying some crafts and accepted pieces will each receive through the prizes. $100. "We will display those arts and And the accepted works will crafts at our centre for our public, go into draws for five prizes of and they will be for sale," she said. $1,000 each on Dec. 18. Proceeds from the sales at the Paul Bickford/NNSL photo Jignasa Anand, the youth co- B.E.A.R. Store will go to support Jignasa Anand, the youth co-ordinator at Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre, displays some of the ordinator at Soaring Eagle Friend- youth programs at the Soaring traditional artwork currently for sale at the B.E.A.R. Store, which will be getting some more items ship Centre, said the contest is a Eagle Friendship Centre. as the result of a new contest. 10 ▼ Wednesday, December 16, 2020 www.hayriverhub.com Hay River may have larger role in rare earths project Cheetah Resources looking at town as barging hub

Paul Bickford shore of Great Slave Lake, as a barging hub for the rare 50-50 for ore coming to Hay vices (MTS) put on a very If all goes according to [email protected] southeast of Yellowknife. earths project during a Nov. River or to Yellowknife over good presentation for Cheetah plan, a scaled-up project David Connelly, the vice- 16 online presentation to town an ice road and/or by barge. Resources engineers on Nov. would follow. The importance of Hay president of strategy and council. "I would say it's now 16, although prices haven't yet Rare earths are a group River appears to be growing corporate affairs with Chee- Connelly noted that, when 90-10 that it will come to been crunched. of 17 elements used in a for a mining project under tah Resources, outlined Hay he last spoke to Hay River Hay River," he said, noting "In the first year, we'll do wide variety of technologies, development on the north River's possible involvement council in March, it was Marine Transportation Ser- whatever it takes to get what including cellphones, comput- we need to get into and out ers, vehicles, magnets, lights, of the project," said Connelly. motors and electronics. "It will probably be some Deputy Mayor Robert mixture of Hay River and Bouchard asked about the Yellowknife ice road, and lit- type of ore that might be tle barges and big barges, just shipped through Hay River. because there's such a tight Connelly explained that schedule. But the stabilized the inert ore would be the vision is now focusing on Hay size of marbles and would be River." enclosed in bags on pallets Cheetah Resources is when it arrives by barge. planning to begin a three- It would likely be trans- year demonstration project at shipped at the MTS site the Nechalacho site next year. either onto trucks or rail, he "Cheetah plans to com- said. "And that hasn't been mence production at Necha- resolved yet. In the first year, lacho in 2021 and aims to I'm almost sure it will be produce a minimum of 5,000 trucks because it will be a tonnes per annum of con- relatively small quantity. In centrated rare earth oxides," the subsequent years, that's Connelly told council. "Five- still a decision." thousand tonnes per annum Coun. Steve Anderson isn't a lot. It's about three and asked where Cheetah Resour- a half 1,500-tonne barges, but ces plans to establish its head a very small amount of rare office. earths mixed in traditional "I'm going to have to be metals vastly changes and blunt and I'm not going to improves their performance." make you happy, but it's going All of the mining and to be in Yellowknife, and it crushing will take place in will be a staff of about five," 2021, and the ore will be Connelly replied. sorted for shipment over the The Nechalacho project following three years to a will operate eight months a hydrometallurgical process- year, beginning in April and ing facility in Saskatoon wrapping up after the last expected to be completed by barge in mid-October. October of next year. Cheetah Resources is "That's a really busy year," owned by Vital Metals of said Connelly. Australia.

photo courtesy of Cheetah Resources/Photo by Bill Braden Hay River could play a big role in Cheetah Resour- ces' Nechalacho rare earth demonstration project currently under development southeast of Yellow- knife. www.hayriverhub.com Wednesday, December 16, 2020 ▼ 11

photo courtesy of Hay River Health and Social Services Authority Artwork donated to health centre Well-known artist Archie Beaverho, right, donated a work to the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority on Nov. 9 in appreciation of care he once received at the health centre. "They did look after me really good," said Beaverho. The Behchoko artist said he told himself that he would give something to the community and that has turned out to be a painting, which was accepted by Erin Griffiths, CEO of the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority. The artist said he worked for over a month on the three-piece painting, which has a theme of health. Pilot project for care beginning in Hay River Another way to help Elders, seniors and persons with disabilities in their homes Paul Bickford when the service is provided." [email protected] A caregiver would be paid to help with tasks in the home and A two-year pilot project on pro- community for up to four hours viding additional care for Elders, each week. seniors and persons with disabil- Rayner noted that homecare ities in their own homes will soon will do light housekeeping, but be starting in the Hay River area. not things like cleaning stoves or The Paid Family/Community spring cleaning. Caregiver Pilot Project is being "The focus of this is really presented by the Department around some of those other needs of Health and Social Services, that people have, say running the Health errands, helping with meal prep and Social Services Authority and cooking, snow shovelling, (NWTHSSA) and partner organ- hauling wood or chopping wood," izations in a number of commun- she said. ities. Clients can select their care- The application period for Hay giver of choice, which can be a River, the Hay River Reserve and family member or a friend. They Enterprise opened on Nov. 27 and can also choose a caregiver from closes on Dec. 16. the community. In both cases, the Lisa Rayner, the territorial man- caregiver needs to be hired by a ager of continuing care services community organization. with the NWTHSSA, explained In the Hay River area, the the pilot project is about offering initiative will be run in co-oper- Photo courtesy of Lisa Rayner assistance that largely falls outside ation with the Hay River Metis Lisa Rayner is the territorial manager of continuing care services with the Northwest Territor- of homecare's normal services. Government Council, which will ies Health and Social Services Authority. "It would allow for people to co-ordinate the project by hiring be able to have care provision or the caregivers and handling their toyaktuk. It would have begun will start in the Hay River area to getting this going," said Rayner assistance potentially during hours pay, and the Hay River Health and early in 2020 in Hay River, except early in the New Year. of the Hay River part of the pilot when homecare doesn't tradition- Social Services Authority. for Covid-19 and a longer than She also noted that the project project. ally work – evenings and week- The pilot project has already anticipated search for a commun- has been extended to March of As of last week, there were ends," she said. "It would allow begun in Behchoko, Dettah and ity partner. 2022 because of various delays. 10 applications from people inter- the individuals some flexibility of N'Dilo, Yellowknife and Tuk- Rayner expects the pilot project "We're really looking forward ested in participating. 12 ▼ Wednesday, December 16, 2020 www.hayriverhub.com

Paul Bickford/NNSL photo Lighting the tree Mayor Kandis Jameson helped launch the festive season in Hay River by lighting the community Christmas tree on Nov. 27.