Inuvik Drum News briefs: December 12, 2024

RCMP seek public's help in locating suspect in break-and-enter case

An incident occurred in Tuktoyaktuk early in the morning of Nov. 23 when a "lone masked suspect" entered the local Northern store, according to a Nov. 27 RCMP news release.

The suspect, dressed in black, stole cigarettes and electronics from the retailer, and then fled the scene on a stolen snowmobile, the police stated.

The incident was recorded by surveillance cameras.

Police are asking anyone who is able to recognize the suspect or has any information about the break and enter to contract them at 867-977-1111, or via Crime Stoppers.

Inuvik Pool reopens

Inuvik's beleaguered swimming pool is back in operation and free for the month of December. After several months of repairs the pool reopened Nov. 30. The regular schedule is in effect as of Dec. 4 and swim lessons will resume in January.

The pool had to be closed over the summer to determine the source of several leaks that were causing the outdoor parking lot to flood.

Ice crossings slowly opening to regular traffic

Light traffic has begun flowing down the Dempster Highway once again as both the Mackenzie and Peel river ice crossings are now open to vehicles up to 10,000 kilograms on the Peel crossing and 15,000 kilograms on the Mackenzie crossing.

Temporary access to Tsiigehtchic is also open to vehicles up to 15,000 kg. The GNWT cautions the regular Tsiigehtchic ice crossing may be delayed because of warmer weather and is reminding drivers that using closed ice roads is both illegal and potentially dangerous.

The Aklavik ice road is still officially closed and has historically opened between Dec. 11 and Jan.15.

Canadian North fibre loop complete

Northwestel says the Canadian North fibre loop is complete. The 3,857-long fibre-optic loop is intended to provide redundancy for Northern internet users in the event of an outage.

Construction of the line was completed in September and testing has been underway ever since. In 2023, wildfires damaged the Dempster fibre line, leaving the Beaufort Delta without internet service for over a month.