Published 8:43 am Thursday, July 30, 2026 By Jill Westerman Northern News Services For Florence Nagyougalik, becoming a summer bylaw officer is about giving back to the community where she was born and raised. “I became a bylaw officer for the summer because I wanted to help make my community a safer and better place for all residents,” she said. Nagyougalik recently applied for the seasonal position while on summer break from her regular job as a student support assistant at the local high school. “We’re off for the summer, so I was like, ‘I don’t want to be bored this summer, so I might as well try and look for a summer job,’” she said. She said she enjoys staying busy, taking on new challenges and learning new skills. “I am passionate about learning, gaining new experiences and developing new skills, no matter how challenging the situation may be,” she said. “I am always willing to take on new responsibilities because I believe every opportunity helps me grow both personally and professionally.” As part of her daily routine, Nagyougalik begins by inspecting the bylaw truck to ensure it’s safe to operate before heading out on patrol. “First of all, I check to make sure the vehicle is in perfect condition,” she said. “I usually make sure all the buildings are properly locked and closed and just do building checks with the schools and any public places where kids shouldn’t be.” Much of her day is spent patrolling the community, promoting safety and ensuring municipal bylaws are being followed. She also uses the bylaw truck during community funerals and when responding to calls about dogs. Traffic safety is one of her main priorities. “Just follow the rules of making sure they’re wearing helmets, and that there aren’t two people on one ATV,” she said of her duties. “Just make sure they’re following the speed limits and they’re not horse playing.” She said if people are following the rules, she lets them continue on their way. Change for the better Nagyougalik believes increased patrols are already having a positive effect and that drivers have become more cautious since she began patrolling the community. “There’s been too much traffic and some accidents over the years, but since I’ve been on the roads, it feels like it has slowed down because I’m stopping them,” she said. Although she enjoys the work, some parts of the job can be difficult. Dealing with aggressive dogs is among her least favourite duties, while responding to situations involving human remains can also be challenging. “It’s kind of hard,” she said, “but I got to do what I got to do.” Training for the position has been largely hands-on alongside Baker Lake’s senior bylaw officer, whom she credits with helping her learn the role. “He’s really good at being bylaw,” she said. “He’s one of my role models. He’s helping the community and making sure everything’s good. He was teaching me what he does, and I just did what he usually does. It made my job much more easier.” She said being a woman has not changed the way she views the position. “For me, anyone can do it as long as you put your heart into it,” she said. “We just got to be mentally strong, like dealing with mad people or upset people.” Most residents have been supportive of her work, she said. “I’m getting good compliments that I’m doing a good job,” she said. “There’s always one of those people that put you down, but I leave them alone.” For Nagyougalik, the most rewarding part of the job is helping protect the community’s youngest residents. “It’s important to me because I want to make sure all these little kids that are roaming around, playing outside, are able to be free playing out and making sure they’re safe from reckless driving,” she said. She believes bylaw officers play a critical role in every community. “I think it’s important that there should be bylaws at all times,” she said. While her current position is for the summer, Nagyougalik hopes to return. “I’m hoping to continue being a summer bylaw,” she said. “We’ll see how it goes.” Looking back on her first weeks in the role, she said it has already been worthwhile. “Becoming a bylaw officer has given me valuable work experience while allowing me to serve the community I care deeply about,” she said. “I take pride in helping the people of Baker Lake and contributing to a safer, stronger community that I am proud to call home.” “It’s fun,” she said. “It’s sometimes scary… it’s different every time.”
Summer is about safety for Baker Lakes seasonal bylaw officer
