The Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, is asking residents to keep their all-terrain vehicles off the community baseball field this summer. The Public Works and Recreation Department put time and effort into getting the field ready for the season, and riding ATVs on it could undo that work.
In a notice to residents, the department said the field has been prepared so people of all ages can enjoy baseball. It warned that anyone caught driving on the field could be reported to the RCMP.
The Hamlet’s Recreation Department runs baseball, soccer, floor hockey, basketball, and other programs throughout the year. The community of about 965 people relies on these facilities for healthy activity and connection, and protecting them is a priority.
ATV damage is a challenge many northern towns know well. With no dedicated bylaw officers, a lot of places count on the RCMP when people misuse public property. The hamlet has a Recreation Bylaw that covers how recreation spaces can be used.
Tuktoyaktuk has been dealing with tough infrastructure issues too, including flooding from a storm in August 2025 and regular closures on the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway. Keeping the ball field in shape is one way the community is working to keep a sense of normalcy and fun this summer.
