Digging Out, Nunavut Style

Snowdrifts rise nearly to the rooftops in Arviat after a multi-day blizzard swept through the community. Residents are now hard at work clearing paths and driveways, shovels in hand. For many, it’s just another typical winter clean-up in Nunavut.
Snowdrifts rise nearly to the rooftops in Arviat after a multi-day blizzard swept through the community. Residents are now hard at work clearing paths and driveways, shovels in hand. For many, it’s just another typical winter clean-up in Nunavut.

Locals back to shovelling after classic winter storm blankets the community

ARVIAT, Nunavut — Residents of Arviat are shovelling out after a multi-day winter blizzard blanketed the community in deep snowdrifts, some piled nearly to the rooftops. The storm brought strong winds and steady snowfall, temporarily halting travel and daily routines. Now that the skies have cleared, locals are back outside, working together to clear doorways, roads, and pathways as part of the usual post-storm clean-up.

While the snow may look dramatic, it’s nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year. It’s typical for us in the winter — everyone just gets their shovels and helps each other out.

Warmer weather is expected in the weeks ahead, but residents know there’s still plenty of work left to dig out and carry on with the season.

Lucy Eetak captured photos of towering snowbanks piled high outside homes in Arviat following this week’s storm. Despite the heavy snowfall, locals say the scene is nothing unusual for the season. Neighbours are out lending a hand, helping each other dig out and get back to daily routines.
Lucy Eetak captured photos of towering snowbanks piled high outside homes in Arviat following this week’s storm. Despite the heavy snowfall, locals say the scene is nothing unusual for the season. Neighbours are out lending a hand, helping each other dig out and get back to daily routines.

Art Borups Corners

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