The Hamlet of Enterprise is now under GNWT administration.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) announced on Wednesday afternoon that the decision to make such a move was done due to what it called "governance, financial, and operational challenges."

The community, which was heavily impacted by the wildfires of 2023 that left very few buildings standing, will be looked after by Grant Hood, the former senior administrative officer for the Town of Inuvik. Hood was in his previous role for more than a decade.

Hood's appointment means that Mayor Mike St. Amour and all councillors have been relieved of their duties for as long as MACA deems it necessary.

"This exceptional measure has been deemed necessary to stabilize operations, ensure good governance and address the challenges that have faced the Hamlet," stated a press release announcing the move.

The release did not state exactly what challenges the hamlet is facing nor were any examples given.

MACA Minister Vince McKay also stated that the ultimate goal behind the move to administration is to "ensure the community government is able to meet the needs of its residents."

"I look forward to making progress so that order and transparency are prioritized and we can ensure a successful transition back to local governance as soon as possible," he stated.

The move marks the latest turn of events in what has been a whirlwind for the community. St. Amour was acclaimed as the hamlet's mayor in December 2024. Before that, Barb Hart served as mayor after Sandra McMaster resigned in July 2024 just five months into her term.

McMaster defeated St. Amour in hamlet elections in February 2024 by just four votes, but her election was followed by three councillors-elect - Malcolm MacPhail, Michael Zak Bridges and Charles Sutherland - stepping down before taking their oaths of office. Jim Dives, whose seat wasn't up for election, also resigned.