RCMP arrest one man after apparent standoff in lower Iqaluit
Emergency responders also cope with three fires in less than 24 hours
RCMP members in camouflage gear responding to a dangerous situation that erupted on the morning of June 30 in the 300s area of lower Iqaluit. (Photo courtesy of Joe Hess)
Updated June 30, 4:30 p.m.
Nunavut RCMP have taken a man into custody after a dangerous incident, which appeared to be a standoff, erupted on the morning of June 30 in the 300s area of Iqaluit.
Police described it as a “high risk dynamic situation.”
Police, some armed with carbines and dressed in helmets, body armour and camouflage gear, responded by cordoning off the area and evacuating residents.
Police did not name the man they arrested and have not stated what charges he might face. They say they are continuing to investigate.
The area between DJ Specialties and the Nunavut Country Food store around Nipisa St. were blocked off by the RCMP.
Also, Arctic Ventures closed its doors to customers and the Alianait Arts Festival, which runs throughout this weekend in the city, also postponed its events until after the situation was resolved.
Its “Nunavut’s Got Talent” show will now begin at 2 p.m., according to a Facebook post from Alianait.
Also, tonight’s 7 p.m. concert at Nakasuk is now free, Alianait organizers said.
“Iqaluit RCMP worked quickly and swiftly to bring the situation under control and ensure public safety,” police said.
Three fires in less than 24 hours
Iqaluit emergency responders have been busy this weekend. In addition to the police emergency, they responded to three fires in just 24 hours:
• At 9:18 p.m., June 29, firefighters responded to a fire on the beach that destroyed three shacks and all equipment inside. Iqaluit firefighters had the fire under control by about 11 p.m.
• At 5:26 a.m. June 30, firefighters responded to a fire near the old dump in Apex. Because access was blocked, a fire truck could not reach the blaze. “Seven firefighters attended the fire by foot and utilized fire extinguishers to suppress the fire,” the city said.
• At 6:25 a.m. firefighters responded to a fire at building 5324, a 10-plex rowhouse structure in the Plateau area. Four of the 10 units in the building were lost and one minor injury was reported. The cause is under investigation and the property remains off limits.
“As a result of our city’s fire department’s quick responses, the multiple fires were quickly brought under control and we are relieved that there were no serious injuries,” Iqaluit Mayor Madeleine Redfern said.
“In addition, we appreciate the support of local business, organizations and city staff that provided additional assistance including Tower Arctic, Qulliq Energy, Office of the Fire Marshall, city’s public works and municipal enforcement staff and The Snack, who provided coffee and food to the firefighters,” Redfern said.
(More to follow)
Nunavut is the armed stand-off capital of the world.
Thank you all for your service.
Never a dull moment in Iqaluit, HAPPY CANADA DAY people
Thank you to our fire department,It is amazing how some people can volunteer their time and energy to serve lives and also putting themselves in danger.The fulltime employed fire fighters we thank you.We thank the volunteer fire fighters for all their efforts.In our smaller communities volunteer fire fighters are paid if they attend a fire scene.I am going to ask the council and the mayor to consider the same for Iqaluit.Please put the volunteer fighters on pay when they respond to an emerge.
A big thank you to all the firefighters and businesses that supported them !