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NEWS BRIEFS: MLA gives upbeat report to legislature

Hay River North MLA R.J. Simpson gave an upbeat assessment of the community's economic prospects in a statement in the legislative assembly on Feb. 27.

Simpson said he didn't mean to brag, but he described the future as bright and the potential enormous for Hay River.

The MLA pointed to investments in and around Hay River, including Osisko Metals acquisition of Pine Point Mining, the Aurora Wood Pellets project in Enterprise, and Cando Rail Services setting up shop in Hay River.

Plus, he noted the GNWT's plans for a 48-bed long-term care facility and its stabilization of the shipping industry through Marine Transportation Services, along with a recently-announced Marine Training Centre.

The future is bright for Hay River, said the MLA. "Prosperity is on the horizon, and growth is inevitable."

ATCO reaffirms support for games

ATCO reaffirmed its longstanding support for the Arctic Winter Games on March 1, announcing that it would again serve as a legacy sponsor of the South Slave 2018 Arctic Winter Games in Hay River and Fort Smith from March 18 to March 24.

ATCO is one of only two legacy sponsors, a distinction recognizing companies that have sponsored more than five games and contributed more than $350,000 in support over that time.

The company's assistance this year will include financial support, in-kind contributions and volunteer help.

"ATCO's continued investment in multi-sport events assists young athletes in their pursuit of excellence through sport," stated Greg Rowe, president of the 2018 South Slave Arctic Winter Games Host Society, in a news release. "As a long-time supporter of the Arctic Winter Games, I am pleased to have ATCO as a legacy sponsor for our games in March."

NWT parks enjoy record-breaking year

Territorial parks enjoyed a record-setting year in 2017 with overnight visits totaling 35,050 – an increase of more than 20 per cent over 2016 and more than 32 per cent higher than the five-year average, according to figures released Feb. 28 by the GNWT.

More than half of all visitors in 2017 were from outside the NWT with 45 per cent from elsewhere in Canada and 12 per cent from other countries.