by Candace McQuatt
40 years ago
New postal rates affecting all classes of mail went into effect April 1.
First class letters weighing up to one ounce would then cost 14 cents, while greeting cards and other third class mail would now cost 12 cents to mail.
Registration fee was raised to $1.25 and special delivery was up to 80 cents, but the COD fee had remained at an even dollar.
Basic letter rates to other countries had increased by a nickel and was up to 30 cents.
The post office noted that it had two options to help reduce the annual operating deficit – raising the rates or reducing service.
The new rates were expected to create an extra $125 million in yearly revenue.
30 years ago
Yellowknife motorists had fair warning to buckle up as police eased residents into the new seat belt regulations that went in effect April 1.
“There will be no enforcement for the first 12 months,” said RCMP Sgt. Jim Howie.
Police and the GNWT would be encouraging people to wear their seat belts but fines would be handed out next year, he said.
The GNWT planned to launch a public awareness campaign that year to promote the use of seat belts.
The seat belt law, passed in June by the legislative assembly, stated people operating motor vehicles in the NWT must wear the belt, where provided in a properly adjusted and secure manner.
20 years ago
At right, David Oystrek stands beside his ice sculpture of a bison outside RCMP headquarters in Yellowknife. Oystrek's carving was commissioned in recognition of the 125th Anniversary of the RCMP. He was presented with a commendation from the RCMP by Insp. Dale Ericson. Oystrek was assisted in his work by Terry Pamplin and Clayton Balsillie.
10 years ago
City Councilors got into a debate over the Wildcat Cafe's proper name.
Coun. Paul Falvo said he was glad to hear that Chef Pierre LePage was returning to operate the Wildcat Cafe that summer. However, Chef Pierre's marketing twist of calling the restaurant “Le Wildcat” had ruffled a few feathers around the city.
Then Mayor Gord Van Tighem added that he had also heard grumblings.
“You should see 'les' emails,” he said.