The Mackenzie Delta Thirty years after the initial project was proposed, the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline
public hearings and panels are moving ahead for a final decision by 2008.
Former Iqaluit resident Lisa Gregoire returns to the north to investigate the Mackenzie Delta
and discover how the pipeline project affects those living in surrounding communities.
The Mackenzie Valley Pipeline was first proposed in the 1970s to direct natural gas from the
Beaufort Sea to markets both in Canada and the United States. Justice Thomas Berger was appointed
to head an inquiry to explore the effect the pipeline would have on the physical landscape
and the area's residents. When Berger delivered his report, Northern Frontier, Northern
Homeland, in 1977 he recommended a 10 year moratorium on the project. Within that time,
he suggested further studies be conducted to examine the potential impact of the pipeline,
as well as ensuring the settlement of local native land claims. Thirty years later the project
has regained momentum and is currently awaiting the results of ongoing public hearings and
joint review panel decisions.
How do residents of the Mackenzie Delta feel about the construction of the
Mackenzie Gas Pipeline?
"People are in overall favour of the pipeline because they see the benefits of diversifying the economy."
— Peter Clarkson
Director of the Inuvik region for the Northwest Territories government.
"It scares me. If you understand it all and are prepared for it, OK. But we're not prepared
for it, and there will be so much social impact. Who will be there to take care of that?"
— Mary Teya
Anglican Deacon and Interpreter/Translator.
