Fort McPherson, N.W.T., ends state of emergency as water levels continue to drop

The community of Fort McPherson, N.W.T., has lifted the local state of emergency as floodwaters recede and the hamlet begins repairs to damaged roads.

The hamlet of about 650 declared an emergency last Tuesday after flooding from the Peel River washed over both roads out of the community, blocking access to the airport as well as the hamlet's source of clean drinking water.

However, water levels have been steadily dropping since late last week, giving construction crews a chance to repair the roads. Municipal services were officially back in place as of Sunday evening. 

The hamlet said in a Facebook post that LJ's Contracting, with the help of the territorial Department of Infrastructure, has been working to repair damaged roads.

Sierra Daley, who sits on the hamlet's council, confirmed to CBC Monday that the hamlet had ended its state of emergency.

"Right now, we are pretty much out of the woods," she said.

She added the hamlet's crew began working right away to empty sewage tanks and begin delivering fresh water.

"I saw lots of posts on Facebook [Sunday] about how people have never been so happy to hear the sewage trucks driving around and pumping out people," she said.

"I think the community is pretty relieved that things seem to be improving."

The hamlet has dealt with its fair share of challenges throughout the past week. 

Impassable roads meant no food supplies were coming in, heating fuel was inaccessible and there was no access to the garbage dump. Radio transmitters were also damaged, and tentative evacuation plans had to be put in place for infants, elders and people needing medical care. 

On top of this, residents were grieving the recent deaths of three people, which were not related to the flooding. 

Despite this, Daley said, community members were really co-operative and closely followed the directions of leadership.

"There hasn't really been anybody complaining about anything … which has made it an easier job for our acting SAO to take charge," she said, referring to the hamlet's senior administrative officer.