Groceries are already expensive in the Northwest Territories but low water levels are leaving towns to rely on flights to get crucial supplies - causing prices to spike even more
Extraordinarily low water on the Mackenzie River this year meant that some resupply barges never made it to communities in the N.W.T.'s Sahtu riding. That's put an extra squeeze on residents already struggling with a high cost of living.
The Government of the Northwest Territories says it's finished deliveries to resupply northern communities for the year, but low water levels and wildfire evacuations forced some cancellations that could be costly for businesses and customers.
Businesses across the N.W.T. are struggling over loss of patronage, limited government assistance and ongoing border restrictions. People in the business community say that some businesses risk permanent closure, and many face personal losses that relief programs don't adequately cover.