Life in Inuvik, Northwest Territories

Construction has begun on the Children First Society’s large new daycare. This facility is expected to cost about $5 million.

There is some fundraising left to do, but workers are already installing the steel columns which will support the building. This is accomplished by means of a large drill.

Permafrost means that Inuvik’s soil is always frozen. In summer it might get soft and loose, but you’re never more than four feet away from ice.

This little bird was spotted near the river today. It’s coat is grey, black and has bright red accents.

According to the Field Guide to Birds of the Western Arctic, it would appear to be a Common Redpole. The birds spend their summers further north but have also been seen as far south as Utah and Colorado.

Summertime has arrived suddenly, with temperatures at 15 degrees celcius today.

As a result we see: Someone taking a child for a motorbike ride; a happy dog dripping like a wet mop; A family walking around with even the baby wearing sunglasses.

The Aurora Research Institute has a small wind turbine, used in a study on wind conditions in the arctic.

Today is was not moving, despite a light summer breeze.

Water flows after eight months of snow.

It’s 15 degrees above freezing today, which means the East channel of the Mackenzie River is starting to open.

Every year the ice on the river moves suddenly. It melts and loosens for a while before a chain reaction begins to push ice down the river.

People in Inuvik have betting pools. When will the ice clear from the river completely?

Today is appears that the ice is not moving. However, it won’t be long.

May weather is starting to bring temperatures above freezing.

This means a lot of melting. Since Invuik has no underground sewers, it means a few days of watery runoff. Houses are on pilings and it doesn’t cause any damage.

It does create puddles around town. Rubber boots are equipped so it’s not a problem.