From Ontario to the Arctic: Technician tackles Canada’s toughest region
Facing 100 km/h winds and extended stays, working in the remote north comes with unique challenges and unexpected rewards
Originally from Burlington, Ontario, Taylor Winter has taken his career to one of Canada’s most remote and challenging regions. Working in the Arctic as a facilities maintenance technician for NORAD and the North Warning System (NWS), Winter is part of a small team of six to 12 people maintaining operations in Nunavut for six weeks at a time.
Winter’s main responsibility is keeping heavy-duty snow removal equipment in working condition, essential for maintaining accessibility in the harsh Arctic environment. However, as Winter points out, the weather often dictates their schedule.
“The sites are only accessible by helicopter or Twin Otter airplane. So if there’s not good weather, you’re just staying longer,” Winter explains.
DON'T MISS: Latest forecast warns a very strong El Niño could emerge soon
On his first rotation, that’s exactly what happened: his six-week stint extended by an additional 27 days due to unfavourable flying conditions. Limited site access also poses challenges during such extended stays, resulting in supply shortages and delays in removing waste materials.
Yet despite the difficulties, Winter continues to find reward in his Arctic work.
"I thought it’d be a quick turnaround...and I ended up loving it. So I just kept doing it," he says.
One of the perks? Half the year off. Winter has used that time to travel extensively, warming up in places like Rio and Argentina—a reprieve he fondly calls "thawing out."