By-Law 1609 Extended
December 10, 2020
Wetum Road Statement
December 11, 2020
Thursday, December 10, 2020
5:00 pm
wâpaskʷ – Polar Bear
wâpaskošiš – Polar Bear Cub
The wâpaskʷ that came to visit us with her cubs have all been tranquilized and they are now safely on their way out to James Bay to their more natural habitat.
The Moose Cree First Nation leadership worked in cooperation with the MCFN Fire & Rescue, Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services and the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and we would like to thank them for their effective management of this situation that resulted in the end to this story that we all wanted; the bears are safe and the community is safe.
Thursday, December 10, 2020
12:00 pm
We are pleased to report that a team from the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry has arrived and will be tranquilizing the polar bears and transporting them far enough away from the area as to make their return unlikely. We ask all community members to avoid the dump area until further notice.
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
6:00 pm
The polar bears were at the dump today and approached the north end of the community by a trail. A helicopter again chased them from the island to Moose Flats but they will most likely return.
Community safety is the highest priority and after discussions with Ministry of Natural Resources it has become apparent that we may be left with no other option but to put the polar bears down should they approach the community again.
This is a serious situation and we strongly encourage all community members to exercise caution and to keep children close to home this evening.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
5:30 pm
The polar bears have returned to the dump once again. We are in discussions with the MNRF who are bringing in a team of professionals on Wednesday, December 9th to assess the situation and determine what can be done.
We ask the community for their continued patience and support and to remain vigilant. Please keep a close eye on your children this evening and tomorrow. We will provide further updates as the day progresses.
The dump gates will remain closed until further notice.
Monday, December 7, 2020
6:40 pm
The polar bears were chased away again today, north past Horseshoe Island. A meeting did take place today with Ministry of Natural Resources on possible options in the likely event that they return to the island tonight. We urge caution and it may be a good idea to ask your children to remain near your home this evening where you can keep an eye on them. The dump will remain closed until further notice.
Monday, December 7, 2020
9:30 am
The polar bears have returned to the dump despite being chased north by a helicopter yesterday. Their movements are being monitored and discussions are occurring on next steps with community safety as the highest priority.
The dump gate has been closed as a safety measure. Due to the closure of the dump gate, household garbage pick up will be delayed today.
Sunday, December 6, 2020
2:50 pm
A helicopter has chased the polar bears from the island, they are currently at the north end of Horseshoe Island. An additional flight will leave at 3:15 pm in the effort to drive the polar bears further north from the community.
Sunday, December 6, 2020
11:30 am
We have been informed that a polar bear with cubs is in the area of the Moose Factory dump. As a polar bear with cubs can be very dangerous we strongly recommend that all community members avoid going to the dump at this time, including the road to the dump.