Explain fracking to residents, says Norman Wells mayor

The mayor of Norman Wells, N.W.T., is calling on the National Energy Board to explain fracking to local residents. 

Last week MGM Energy Corp. held a presentation in Norman Wells.

Mayor Dudley Johnson says people want to know more about the controversial drilling technique.

"The concern with the group, the audience, is that we don’t have enough information," said Johnson. "We hear the oil companies’ side, you do research and you get the extremes about fracturing. We would prefer that we get a neutral body to come and do consulting with all the communities."

Johnson says he doesn't want a debate over fracking to prevent economic development.

But he says community members need answers about how the drilling method could affect the town’s water supply.