Makkovik Labrador

The town of Makkovik is located approximately 110 nautical miles northeast of Goose Bay on the north coast of Labrador. The principle means of travel to Makkovik and the north coast is via coastal boat from Cartwright and Goose Bay between July and November. Two commercial airlines operate from Goose Bay which service coastal Labrador year round. During the winter period, snowmobile trails are groomed to link the communities however, travel is recommended with experienced residents who know the area and are trained in survival in extreme weather conditions. Weather conditions are known to be severe and very changeable in Labrador.

Makkovik has approximately 380 residents. The children attend J.C.ERHARDT MEMORIAL all grades school. There are approximately six to seven students per grade and they are in combined classrooms with two grades per class. There are two general stores in the community which supply both food and dry goods and a two-nurse nursing station available 24/7 as well as a part time physician. Makkovik also has one Hotel, the Adlavik Inn, which has five double occupancy rooms.

Makkovik detachment is also responsible for the policing of the town of Postville, which is located approximately 70 Km northwest of Makkovik. Postville has a population of approximately 260 people. A patrol cabin was recently built in Postville which provides patrol member with comfortable accommodations with cable TV and VCR. There is one general store which supplies food and dry goods.

1Makkovik detachment has two regular RCMP members and one Makkovik Community Constable. Housing is supplied for RCMP members in the community at a moderate cost. The first house was built in 2001 and has three bedrooms, one ½ bathrooms, a full basement, and a detached shed at the rear. A second house was recently purchased. It is a one year old two-story with a cement crawl space. Both homes are equipped with all the essential furniture to ensure a comfortable life style.

Makkovik detachment currently has one suburban, two 4 X 4 all terrain vehicles, and three snowmobiles. Snowmobiles are used from mid-November to late June as the principle source of transportation. The roads are groomed for snowmobile travel during the winter period to minimize snow mounds on road ways. Water patrol is conducted by joint patrols with through partnering with The Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Makkovik detachment members are very active and respected in the community. Members have organized a Drug Awareness Resistence Education (D.A.R.E). program with grade 5-6 level at J.C. ERHARDT MEMORIAL school and at B.L. MORRISON school in Postville.

The towns of Makkovik and Postville are very pro-police, and have very low crime rates. To assist in the use of restorative justice, Makkovik has two facilitators trained. The RCMP actively participates in all community events including Canada Day and other local functions to foster better community-based policing.