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Some Norman Wells residents are not being shy with their thoughts on a four-day window to book cargo for this year's barge season.

On June 26, Marine Transportation Services (MTS) announced that residents of Tulita, Norman Wells and Fort Good Hope had until June 30 to get cargo to the terminal in Hay River, giving businesses and residents very little time to re-stock for the fall season.

Many residents and entrepreneurs in the area expressed their frustration to 黑料吃瓜网 Media, some questioning why bother having a barge at all.

"Absolutely insane timing," said Taylor Ward Pace, operations manager for Canoe North Adventures. "We used to rely on the barge for much of our shipping to Norman Wells. With low water and the uncertainty regarding whether the barge would go at all, we have already air freighted almost all of our supplies for the summer to Norman Wells at two to three times the cost.

"We have been waiting for news for weeks! With this late announcement, the remaining supplies will likely have to be air freighted regardless because there is absolutely no time or personnel to get our stuff to Hay River before the deadline."

Abnormally low water levels have wreaked havoc on the supply chains for numerous communities in the Northwest Territories.

However, after nearly half a decade of similar conditions, some are wondering why more hasn't been done to adapt the schedule to changing circumstances.

"It's absolutely ridiculous," said Shelly Tucker. "So many businesses and individuals rely on these shipments: stores, restaurants, camps, construction companies and more. The lack of consideration is staggering."

Barge cancellations and major changes have marred the last few barge seasons. One shipment to Sachs Harbour in 2022 was delayed over a winter due to low water and suspected vandalism. Low water in 2024 forced cancellation of barge services to several communities.

To mitigate the impacts of low water on communities, MTS has moved one of its barges to Tuktoyaktuk, but challenges of moving through the Mackenzie watershed remain.

Some residents wondered what would actually be moved via the river on such short notice.

"It's insulting," said Steve Goddard. "How we can do purchases and arrange transportation in this short [period] of time? I'm really curious what they're hauling because it won't be for the majority of businesses."

Apparently aware of the discontent in Norman Wells, Infrastructure Minister Vince McKay took the step of responding to complaints on social media, noting he approved the barging schedule the moment he received it.

He cautioned that the state of low water meant a slim possibility of a second shipment but added that MTS staff were doing everything they could to make it happen.

"I sincerely apologize for any frustration and the short notice," McKay wrote on June 26 in response to a complaint. "The situation is highly dynamic. The Coast Guard has recently begun deploying buoys in the Mackenzie River near the Fort Providence area. This is also an area of huge concern when navigating the Mackenzie River. Within the last couple days, the decision was made by MTS to proceed with the sailing to the Sahtu.

"I approved the necessary messaging [on June 25] within minutes of receiving it to ensure timely communication. Currently, MTS is actively coordinating with the Coast Guard. MTS is literally going to be chasing their vessel upstream and deliver essential goods to the Sahtu community. Coast Guard also just notified MTS within the last few days."