The town of Norman Wells, N.W.T., is undergoing significant changes following the closure of Imperial Oil’s operations last Friday. Mayor Frank Pope described the event as a small yet impactful moment, prompting the community of approximately 700 residents to contemplate the next steps.
Having operated in Norman Wells for over a century, Imperial Oil announced earlier this year its decision to shut down due to a decline in production at the site. The shutdown necessitated a shift in the town’s functioning, including the adoption of diesel power from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to replace the gas generation previously provided by Imperial Oil.
Mayor Pope expressed concerns about the reliability of the new diesel power system and the limited availability of personnel to address potential issues. In case of major outages, specialized crews would need to be flown in, highlighting the need for permanent trained staff to be stationed in the community.
The departure of Imperial Oil has prompted a reassessment of Norman Wells’ budget, as the company’s taxation revenue constituted 70% of the town’s budget. Mayor Pope is in discussions with the company to renegotiate taxation rates for the upcoming remediation project lasting approximately 20 years.
Beyond tax considerations, Mayor Pope is also focusing on preserving local jobs, hoping that the remediation project will offer employment opportunities to the community. Energy analyst Doug Matthews, collaborating with the closure working group, emphasized the importance of training community members for involvement in the closure and restoration efforts.
Matthews highlighted the value of employing local skilled workers for the site’s remediation and encouraged additional training opportunities for them. A local company in the Sahtu region has already commenced work with Imperial Oil on interim restoration activities, signaling a positive beginning.
Matthews underscored the potential for communities to revitalize themselves through innovative approaches, shifting from oil production to environmentally responsible practices. Emphasizing the significance of local involvement in cleanup endeavors, he advocated for a sustainable transition towards a cleaner future.
The community of Norman Wells is navigating these changes with a focus on collaboration, training, and sustainability, aiming to create new opportunities and a more resilient future.
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