Officials are in the process of clearing out debris from a sunken houseboat in Yellowknife, known as Big Blue, before the upcoming freeze-up. The N.W.T. Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) had previously issued an order for the removal or stabilization of Big Blue as it gradually sank into Great Slave Lake. However, it is now evident that stabilization is no longer feasible, with the houseboat fully submerged on October 11.
The department has disclosed that they are collaborating with the houseboat’s owner and a third-party contractor to salvage as much as possible from the structure before the lake freezes over. They have confirmed that any potential contaminants were already extracted from the houseboat before it sank, alleviating concerns of environmental spills.
Due to its compromised structural integrity, the physical removal of the houseboat will have to wait until the lake freezes, as stated by the houseboat community. The department is also reassessing its procedures regarding abandoned or dilapidated vessels to avert similar incidents in the future.
The decline of Big Blue began in 2023 when the previous owner, Daniel Gillis, abandoned the vessel, transferring ownership to other bay residents. Despite various attempts by subsequent owners to salvage the houseboat, it continued to sink without success. Gillis, now under new ownership of the houseboat, expressed surprise at its sinking but chose not to provide further comments.
Efforts to reach the houseboaters’ spokesperson for additional insights have been unsuccessful at this time.
