The winter road season in the Far North is over weeks earlier than usual.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy said reports from around communities in the Far North say the more than 3,000 kilometre system is closed. While some communities received all goods needed, most importantly fuel for diesel plants relied on for electricity, some only received 65 per cent of the usual load.
That means fuel will have to be flown in, which costs three times more than trucking it in. Because communities have fixed budget, some capital projects might have to be cut this year to cover the costs.
It’s going to cut into their program dollars trying to meet the basic needs,” Beardy said.
Fuel might also be in short supply for everyday use in some of the communities.
“It’s going to have a terrible impact on the community as a whole because everybody needs gas to get around the village. If they’re hunting, trapping, fishing they still need gas,” Beardy said.
Typically the winter road season ends around March 31. Because of the early end this season, First Nations communities are developing a road system based on higher ground. Beardy said climate change is quickly making the winter road system unreliable.
“With global warming being in effect I don’t think we can rely that much on winter road system anymore,” he said.
The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service sent out a release Wednesday stating the road system is quickly deteriorating because of the warm weather. Several motorists have been stranded.
Anyone using the roads is encouraged to let police or someone know their travel plans and to bring food and clothing with them.
