Inuvik has about 4 or 5 days' worth of propane on hand, mayor says
The mayor of Inuvik, N.W.T., says he's confident that the town's propane supply is not about to run out — but he's still urging residents to conserve energy where they can.
"We're at a situation that's manageable," said Mayor Peter Clarkson on Wednesday.
"I think everyone so far has been working really well together. And yeah, we'll get through this."
He said the town now has about four to five days' worth of propane on hand and he's hopeful that more will be arriving soon.
(Courtesy: Town of Inuvik/Facebook)
On Tuesday, Inuvik Gas Ltd. issued an advisory asking residents to turn down the heat at home and also find other ways to reduce their energy use, citing an "unexpected fuel supply reduction" in the community of about 3,000 people.
The company did not provide details about the state of the local fuel supply but said the community must reduce its reliance on propane "for the coming days."
Propane is used to make natural gas for the community. According to Clarkson, the town burns about 45,000 litres per day, the equivalent of about one truckload of propane.
Fuel is typically trucked north to Inuvik through Yukon via the Dempster Highway, but parts of the highway have been closed for periods in recent days because of weather.
Clarkson said one fuel truck managed the get to Inuvik on Tuesday with help from Yukon highway crews.
"That gives us another day," Clarkson said.
He said several fuel trucks were scheduled to leave Whitehorse on Wednesday and he was hopeful that Yukon highway crews would be able to help pilot them through any rough spots on the Dempster.
Clarkson blamed the dwindling propane supply on things such as the late freeze-up of the ice road crossing, as well as blizzard conditions on the Dempster but said Inuvik Gas "knows the exact answer" about what happened.
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"Basically, it's not one thing, it's a number of things," Clarkson said.
Nobody from Inuvik Gas has been available for an interview. The company said Tuesday it was preparing a detailed statement.
Clarkson said residents should still look for ways to reduce their energy use in the coming days. Temperatures have been hovering below –40 C in Inuvik, and are expected to stay below –30 C until at least next week.
"I mean, certainly keep their homes heated. That's a priority. The town is keeping the water lines heated," Clarkson said.
"But if there are things you can do to reduce your consumption to save on the natural gas, you know, great."
This article was originally published for CBC News on Jan. 7. Contains files from Dez Loreen.