'Cold houses with no hot water': Flood victims return to Fort Simpson, N.W.T. by The Canadian Press Last Updated May 28, 2021 at 4:14 am EDT FORT SIMPSON, N.W.T. — A village in the Northwest Territories is looking to rebuild what has been lost after the worst flooding in more than 50 years destroyed homes and businesses. Fort Simpson’s 1,200 people were forced from their homes earlier this month by record water levels during ice breakup on the Mackenzie River. Most have now returned, but Mayor Sean Whelly estimates more than 30 homes are unlivable after water damaged hot-water tanks and furnaces. At least 10 homes on the river’s edge were destroyed, he said.