Regular Council Meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm in Council Chambers located at #3 Mackenzie Drive, Norman Wells. Meeting notices can be found under the events section of this website. Council meetings are available to the public in person and via Microsoft teams.
Committee of the Whole Meetings are generally held the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 12:00pm in Council Chambers located at #3 Mackenzie Drive, Norman Wells. Meeting notices can be found under the events section of this website. Council meetings are available to the public in person and are also available via microsoft teams.
Meeting agendas are posted by 5:00pm the Friday before the scheduled meeting.
Delegations are typically requested by residents or local community groups wishing to speak to or make a request to Council.
Requests for delegations must be submitted to the Town Clerk (towninformation@normanwells.com) no later than the Thursday prior to the preferred meeting by 5:00PM. Delegates must state the reason for the request to speak. Council may, at their discretion, accept or refuse a last minute delegation.
For over six years as mayor of Norman Wells, Frank Pope has been a passionate advocate for the community, tirelessly championing critical issues such as food security, affordable flights, and the development of an all-season highway.
His leadership has been instrumental in addressing the alarming rise in fuel prices that have impacted residents, ensuring that the community’s voices are heard and their needs prioritized.
Originally from Scotland, Frank moved to Canada to work with the esteemed Hudson’s Bay Company, beginning his journey in Northern Ontario. His path took him through Nunavik, Nunavut, and eventually to the Northwest Territories. In his early career, he served with the Indian Affairs Branch in Fort Chipewyan and Fort Vermilion, Alberta, before moving north to work with Northern Affairs in Aklavik. In 1969, he joined the newly established Northwest Territories government in Fort Good Hope.
After relocating to Inuvik, Frank played a vital role in developing and implementing training programs related to Beaufort Sea and Mackenzie Delta oil and gas projects, as well as the Dempster Highway construction. Following this, he dedicated fifteen years to the Shihta Regional Council DIZ Group in Norman Wells, specializing in oil and gas exploration activities in the Sahtu Region.
His commitment to sustainable development is evident in his service on the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Review Board, where he assessed mineral, oil, and gas development projects. He concluded his remarkable career in 2017 as a Regional Petroleum Advisor with RWED/ITI in the Sahtu Region.
Frank is deeply rooted in his community, believing in the power of collaboration and engagement to create positive change. He has been married to Cathy for over 48 years, and together they are proud parents of two teachers: Elizabeth, who teaches in Fort Good Hop, and Jimmy, who is at Aurora College Norman Wells Campus. Their daughter June and son Stuart both live in Norman Wells, contributing to the community they love.
Looking ahead, Frank remains committed to advocating for the needs of Norman Wells, envisioning a future where every resident has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.
Alexis Peachey moved to Norman Wells in 2003 with a plan to work at the big bar for a couple months while visiting her sister. Those months turned into years and Alexis went from bartending to being employed by S.R.P. Petroleum for the last 19+ years as the Office Manager. She is involved with many organizations in town including Volleyball, Softball, Santa’s Anonymous, and willingly volunteers her free time to any community event.
Alexis has been re-elected for a third term on Council and is excited to continue working for the residents of Norman Wells. Alexis has been on the Recreation Committee for the last 3 years as co-chair and believes that recreation in all forms makes for a healthy community and is looking forward to continuing the momentum from last term and continue the implementation of the Recreation Master Plan.
Alexis was the driving force behind the creation of the “Advancement of Equity and Inclusion Committee” with a mandate to lead equity, inclusion and social wellbeing strategies across the corporation and partner with the community to promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable service access and a workforce that reflects the diverse population of Norman Wells. This committee is still fairly young but changes to by-laws, procedures, and policies are already underway. The committee members are educating themselves on the reports published by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry into Murderer and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls as well as familiarizing themselves with the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The hope is to integrate all three within Municipal By-laws, procedures, and policies in respectful and meaningful ways as part of the Town of Norman Wells’ journey of reflection and reconciliation.
Alexis is looking forward to another three years of serving her community with dedication and hard work with a focus towards expanding current recreation programs, services, and infrastructure; creating and completing short and long term goals for promoting equity, inclusion and social wellbeing throughout the organization and community; and advocacy for Norman Wells’ Residents and the Sahtu Region regarding topics like cost of living, health care, housing, and food security.
Who I Am:
Why I Chose to Serve:
Heidi Hodgson was raised in Norman Wells by pillars of the community, Eddy and Mitzi Hodgson. The Hodgson family is one of the original families who made the Norman Wells area their home, who have hunted, trapped, fished and lived respectfully off of the land here for generations. Heidi’s Granny, Cecilia, was a respected elder who raised 18 children with traditional Dene laws and values that were then instilled in Heidi by her late father, Ed Hodgson. Eddy taught his children the importance of the collective over the individual, that, as a people, we can only thrive if we take care of each other, that we always share what we have and that we always have respect for one another.
Heidi plans to take the lessons gained from her beloved father, the values and principals passed down from her ancestors, and use them to help her hometown and its residents. Heidi is committed to the wellbeing of her community. After witnessing her father’s generosity and both of her parents’ passionate involvement in their community she wants nothing more than to continue their legacy of generosity and community engagement.
Heidi began her political career in her mid 20’s as a board member of the Métis Local #59. While raising her 3 children, she served on two committees of council (Town Planning and Land use and Health and Social Services), as well as 14 years as Chairperson on the Norman Wells District Education Authority, two terms on the Sahtu Divisional Education Council and three terms on the Norman Wells Housing Authority board.
Heidi also has a history of volunteering in the Catholic Church, and was one of the volunteers who started and ran Girl Guides, Brownies and Sparks for the youth of the community.
Heidi has served two terms on town council and now embarks on her third term. She brings with her a diverse skill set garnered from her career with Imperial Oil, her service on various boards and committees and her extensive knowledge of the history of our beautiful Norman Wells.
Heidi’s roots in this community run deep and she has a profound emotional connection to this land and the people who call it home.
Carol Lorentz moved to Norman Wells in the mid 70’s with her family. She attended elementary and junior high school in the 4-room school located where the Edward Hodgson building is now. She went to school with the Hodgson’s, McDonald’s, Blondin’s, Boyle’s, Frasers, Lintons and so many others whom she remained friends with over the years. However, her family eventually moved to Alberta. Carol returned every few years as Norman Wells was a special place with special people that she could not leave behind. Eventually spending many springs in the bush at 10 Mile Island, enjoying time with friends and the traditions of spring hunt.
Carol raised her 3 sons in Alberta while working as an Interpreter. She volunteered for 30 years serving on local, provincial and national boards. She eventually returned home to stay in Norman Wells in 2011, after her children had grown and became independent. Carol found employment as soon as she returned working the front-end waitressing at the Ryuka, till it closed its doors for the last time. She also bartended at the Legion until she got her class 4 license and worked expediting for Craig Scott. Whom I must add, always said,” never forget who gave you a start in this town! “She later worked with HRN on rock truck, got her class 3 and worked for SRP driving fuel truck, worked at Enbridge in pipeline maintenance, back to HRN as a safety officer, GNWT as a Court Worker and currently working as Regional Manager of Career Development for the the Sahtu Region. Her employment history is a testament to her values of hard work and making dreams come true.
Carol is excited to represent and serve her community as Councillor. As you can see from her home, she takes pride in all she does, from the flowers and gardens in the summer and the well-maintained yard through out the year. She will be goal orientated and focused during these next 3 years. She is ready to roll up her sleeves to advocate for the residents of Norman Wells and the Sahtu during these uncertain and difficult time.
Trevor Smith moved to Norman Wells 9 years ago and has been a Northern resident for 27 years. He has been employed by the Government of the Northwest Territories for the last 8 and a half years and is currently working as a Programs Advisor for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.
Trevor is involved with many organizations in town including senior men’s hockey, softball and golf associations as much as the Royal Canadian Legion. He also enjoys participating in both summer and winter recreation activities whether they are inside or outside.
