NormanWells

Norman Wells Community Details

Norman Wells (Legohli – “where there is oil”) is the location of the fourth largest, single oil deposit in Canada. The transportation hub and largest community in the Mackenzie Heartland overlooks the Mackenzie River near where the Dene used oil seeps to waterproof their canoes. Alexander Mackenzie made note of the seeps in the 18th century, but it was 1919 before petroleum explorers first drilled exploratory wells.

Town of Norman Wells - http://www.normanwells.com

Location

  • Located on the north bank of the Mackenzie River

  • 65'17'N latitude and 126'50'W longitude

  • 80 km northwest of Tulita and 684 km northwest of Yellowknife
Population (2007)

  • 948
Languages

  • English

  • North Slavey
Transportation

  • Daily scheduled flights from Edmonton, Yellowknife and Inuvik via Canadian North, First Air and North-Wright Airways

  • The Mackenzie River serves as the major barge route for freight during the summer.

  • In the winter, the Mackenzie Winter Road system provides a road connection to the NWT's year-round highway system
Industry

  • Oil drilling and exploration continues as the backbone of the Norman Wells economy

  • A well-developed service industry also provides services to residents and visitors to the region

  • In the summer, the town’s airport serves as a base for forest fighters in the area.
Accommodations

  • Yamouri Inn

  • Rayuka Inn

  • Mackenzie Valley Hotel

  • Heritage Hotel
Places of Worship

  • St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church
Schools
Local Services

  • Two grocery stores – The North West Company and Rampart Rentals

  • Norman Wells Health Centre – includes nurses and a dental clinic

  • Three member RCMP detachment
Festivals and Events

  • The Spring Fling – An annual family festival to celebrate the return of spring. Features a parade, snowmobile racing, a barbeque, dance, ice golf, a youth soccer tournament and the crowd favourite “rat race”.
Places to Eat

  • Yamouri Inn

  • Rayuka Inn

  • Mackenzie Valley Hotel

  • Drifter’s Café
Associations
    Fitness Centre 867-587-3721
    Senior Men's Hockey 867-587-3006
    Archery 867-587-4314
    Badminton 867-587-2187
    Norman Wells Cross-Country Ski Club 867-587-2671
    Norman Wells Curling Club 867-587-2187
    Norman Wells Minor Hockey League 867-587-2828
    Norman Wells Speed Skating Club 867-587-2395
    Rod & Gun Club 867-587-3721
    Town of Norman Wells Recreation Department 867-587-3721
    Yoga 867-587-2048
    Playgroup 867-587-2178
    R.C. Legion Ladies Auxiliary 867-587-2130
    Norman Wells Volunteer Fire Department 867-587-3700
    Army Cadets 867-587-3508
    Norman Wells & District Chamber of Commerce 867-587-6609
    Saint Anthony's Roman Catholic Church 867-587-2366