4.3 River, Lakes & Water Quality

The most apparent impact to rivers being caused by climate change is the timing and duration of when rivers and lakes freeze up and breakup. Freeze up is happening approximately 2-3 weeks later and takes longer. Spring breakup happens about 2-3 weeks earlier and is quicker. One of the more significant impacts is that when freeze up takes longer JMR is cut off from Fort Simpson, the nearest community with a grocery store, medical facilities, and other essential services. To reach Fort Simpson from JMR by vehicle the Liard River needs to be crossed, either by ferry when the water is open or by an ice bridge in the winter. During freeze up and breakup Fort Simpson is only accessible via air transport, and the second closest community is Hay River, about a four hour drive from JMR. This means that people need to stock up on food and water before freeze up begins. Moreover, with access to harvesting areas being more difficult and dangerous in the fall, people are becoming more dependent on store bought foods.

4.3 River, Lakes & Water Quality