NOTES ON AKLAVIK RELOCATION PROJECT, 1954
Authors: Merrill C.L. 
Published: March 2008

During the summer of 1954 rather more scientific field studies than usual were sponsored by the Canadian Government in the comparatively little known Mackenzie River Delta. One of these studies was the site survey for Akhrvik.

Following the Government's proposal to relocate Aklavik, a small but growing settlement built on low, unstable ground, in the delta, a team of scientists spent the period from April to August 1954, investigating possible sites for a new town. Much of the material presented in this paper was obtained by the author while serving as a member of the Aklavik Relocation Survey Team. Personnel on the survey team consisted of five engineers and three specialists in geography and geology representing the following federal departments: Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources, Division of Building Research of the National Research Council, Department of Mines and Technical Surveys, Department of Public Works, Department of Transport, Department of National Health and Welfare. The use of this material has been possible by the kind permission of Colonel F.G.H. Cunningham, Director of the Northern Administration and Lands Branch. A number of social, economic, and physical factors, which defined the site requirements, limited the search to places where a navigable channel approached high ground along the delta flanks. The best place available was a location 33 air miles east of Aklavik. In November 1954, a decision was made to relocate Aklavik at this place. Site development work will be done this year with the new construction and moving operations extending over a four year period.

The survey was carried out from a series of base camps under canvas, at or near the potential sites. The early start, two months before break‐up, permitted the examination of each location during winter, break‐up, and summer conditions. Aerial reconnaissance was made by helicopter, and as the seasons progressed, tractor, dog team, outboard craft, scow and barge, provided surface transportation. Soils data were obtained from frozen cores secured with a special drill developed by National Research Council engineers for use in permafrost, and from test pits. Rough surveys were made to indicate the availability of materials for roads and aggregate, the area and drainage of the surface, and the availability of a site for an airstrip. Hydrographic and related surveys were made to establish the navigability of the access channel, the location for the wharf, and the most suitable provision for a domestic water supply.

Several additional studies, primarily of scientific interest, were carried out by members of the survey as opportunity was presented in the course of the primary work. It is gratifying to note that Mr. Roger Brown and Mr. Keith Fraser will present papers today recording work of this nature, carried out while participating in the Aklavik survey. A sharing of ideas in the form of the work mentioned above, and in contacts with other scientific parties in our area, was most beneficial in maintaining an interest and awareness in our work, through a long field season.