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 significant moment for the community of around 700 residents, prompting them to consider their next steps.
Having operated in Norman Wells for over a century, Imperial Oil announced earlier this year its decision to cease operations due to declining production. This move has forced the town to reorganize its infrastructure, particularly in sourcing power. Previously reliant on gas generation from Imperial Oil, the town has transitioned to diesel power provided by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.
Mayor Pope expressed concerns about the reliability of the new diesel system, highlighting the limited local expertise available for maintenance. In the event of a major outage, external crews would need to be flown in, underscoring the need for trained staff to be permanently stationed in the community.
Imperial Oil’s departure has also prompted a review of Norman Wells’ budget structure. The company’s tax contributions, constituting 70% of the town’s budget, are now in question. Mayor Pope mentioned upcoming negotiations with Imperial Oil regarding taxation rates for the anticipated 20-year remediation project.
Beyond financial considerations, the focus is also on preserving local employment opportunities. Pope emphasized the importance of retaining local workers for the remediation project. Energy analyst Doug Matthews echoed this sentiment, advocating for the involvement of community members in the cleanup efforts to restore the land to its original state.
The closure working group, comprising government representatives, Imperial Oil, and the Town of Norman Wells, is actively discussing strategies to train and engage local residents in the restoration project. Matthews emphasized the value of utilizing local skilled labor and providing additional training to ensure the community benefits from the cleanup process.
By engaging local talent and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, there is optimism that Norman Wells can transition from being an oil producer to actively participating in the environmental restoration, presenting a new perspective on community revitalization.