Sahtu barge deliveries hit by low water and short lead times, frustrating residents and raising shipping costs across the Northwest Territories.
Barge Season Begins Amid Frustration in N.W.T.’s Sahtu Region
The long-awaited barge season in the Northwest Territories has resumed after a year-long halt, but logistical hurdles have left many in the Sahtu region scrambling to keep up. Residents and business owners in Tulita, Norman Wells, and Fort Good Hope are facing shipping confusion, price hikes, and unusually tight cargo deadlines as they try to take advantage of the short window of navigable river transport.
Narrow Cargo Deadlines Add Pressure for Residents and Suppliers
This summer, Marine Transportation Services (MTS) scheduled two tows carrying multiple barges down the Mackenzie River. The first departed Hay River on July 6 with just four days’ notice for cargo preparation. The second is set to sail on July 26, with a similarly brief lead time. Though the official cargo cutoff was July 10, MTS director Terry Camsell confirmed they are still accepting freight, citing uncertainties due to river conditions.
“If water levels drop too low, the second tow might not sail at all,” Camsell warned. In that case, MTS would resort to trucking goods to Fort Simpson and chartering barges from there—an expensive and less efficient backup.
Rising Costs and Rushed Shipments Impact Local Stores
Joshua Earls, owner of Ramparts grocery store in Norman Wells, was one of many caught off guard by the schedule. Expecting a July 9 deadline, Earls organized his supply chain in a frenzy, working two all-nighters to meet the cutoff. “We rushed to get all our stuff there. It nearly killed me,” he said.
Even after successfully delivering two trailers of groceries to Hay River, Earls faced another shock—unexpectedly high shipping costs from MTS. The price was nearly equivalent to air freight, undermining the cost-saving goals of using river barges. “We thought there was a mistake,” Earls said, adding that using Cooper Barging Service would have been preferable had their operations been confirmed.
Delays and Uncertainty Leave Fort Good Hope Without Supplies
Only the first tow is set to reach Fort Good Hope, delivering fuel and dry goods including supplies for Sahtu Northern Stores. But several local groups were unable to meet the sudden scheduling demands.
Arthur Tobac of Ne’Rahten Development Ltd. said the late decision to run the barge made it “not feasible” to place supply orders. Chief Collin Pierrot of Fort Good Hope echoed the concern, explaining that the band office hauled essential goods during winter via the ice road, anticipating continued disruption.
A fuel barge from Tuktoyaktuk is expected to reach Fort Good Hope around July 20, providing another chance for delayed cargo.
Future of Barge Transport Hinges on Climate and Coordination
Ongoing challenges with low water levels, smoke from wildfires, and inconsistent communication continue to threaten the reliability of barge transportation in the N.W.T. MTS says it is working to improve flexibility, but some residents are already looking to alternative methods for the future.
For many in the Sahtu region, this season’s barge operations highlight the growing need for clearer communication, earlier planning, and investment in more resilient northern supply chains.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
