Fort Simpson considers restricting vehicle access to Mackenzie Drive due to rapid erosion

The mayor of Fort Simpson said there will be discussion on whether further vehicle restrictions are needed on Mackenzie Drive as the riverbank continues to rapidly erode. 

The road was already turned into a one-way after last year's spring flooding, but Mayor Sean Whelly said there will be considerations on if it should be limited to local traffic only. 

Drone shots show large chunks of ground collapsing at the edge of the bank, and in some areas the collapse is so far inland that the road is turning into the river escarpment. This stretch of erosion goes from the health centre to the N.W.T. Power Corporation building, a distance of about 500 metres. 

The drone images were captured by Brandon Buggins, a resident and council member of Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation. 

"Since the flood last year, the 2021 flood, a lot of the riverbank has seen a significant change of pace," he said. 

Buggins said as a resident, he is concerned for the safety of his community. 

The erosion has changed the bank from a natural slope to a nearly straight drop into the swelling Mackenzie River, he said. 

There's also undercutting, meaning the ground below the edge is disappearing but it isn't visible from those looking toward the river from Mackenzie Drive. This can be dangerous as people will walk to the edge to check out the bank, not knowing the ground below them is unstable, Buggins said. 

"It is a huge concern, especially for the safety of a lot of our members here within our community," he said. 

Buggins said he plans to bring the subject up at the next band council meeting on Tuesday. 

He said he thinks the road should be limited to local traffic only. 

Sean Whelly, Fort Simpson's mayor, said the erosion has been an ongoing concern, but is rapidly becoming worse. 

"Probably seeing more big chunks coming off the bank than we've seen in quite a few years. I think it's probably because we've had so much high water over the last year," he said. 

When the road was turned into a one-way, cement blocks were placed along the edge to prevent any vehicles from getting too close.