Entry 12: Northward
September 9, 2002
Population: 2,185
A Religious Center
Global publicity of the August 7, 1998 fuel spill placed Kanin Fjord on the international map in more ways then one. In particular, this revealed the town as having the highest concentration of Norse believers in Europe. Despite the disaster giving the town a negative image, many people who follow the Norse religion saw the town as a safe abode for their beliefs and immigrated to Kanin Fjord.
By September of 2002, roughly 850 of Kanin Fjord’s residents had at least some sort of belief in Norse mythology. No other location in the world had so many Norse believers living in one location. The town’s only Stave temple was not equipped to handle the high population of worshippers. Discussions for the expansion of the existing temple, and the possible construction of a second temple are already occurring.
The North Opens Up
Developable land has always been scarce in the town. Kanin’s Fjord’s topology consists of a mixture of steep slopes, rocky outcroppings, and dense coniferous forests. By 2001, residential, commercial, and industrial expansion had consumed every useful piece of land along the Fjord. Without expanding across the fjords, the only remaining tracts of useful land lie to the north of the town past Tore punkt.
Until 1998, the Gulbrandsen Family claimed ownership of all unoccupied land north of the village along the west coast of Hjortfjorden, stretching all the way to the Atlantic coast. After 1998, the Norwegian government confiscated this land from the Gulbrandsen family as restitution for cleanup expenses of the fuel spell. At the end of 1999 Norway began selling the land to anyone who would purchase it. Interest in the land, however; was limited, and it was not until the Navnår Conglomerate moved into town that developers and individuals began purchasing the land.
By the middle of 2000, various developers, corporations, and individuals had purchased the land. Development of numerous subdivisions, a new school, and even a sports complex began in May of 2001, and by September 2002, all of the land purchased had been developed. New developments primarily consisted of residential subdivisions, but also included higher density apartments and condominiums. A new combination elementary/high school was constructed to accommodate the large number of children now living in the town. Kanin Fjord even has a soccer field now.
The Villagers Reserve Their Power
Kanin Fjord’s original inhabitants have faced the ever-growing reality that they were rapidly becoming a minority in their own town. In just ten years, the town’s population increased nearly five-fold from 447 to 2,185. The original villagers and their descendants now comprise just 22% of the town’s current population. In order to protect their heritage and assure that decisions are made in their best interest, the villagers enacted amendments to the town’s charter and government. One such amendment was an original residency requirement for being a member of the town council. Only residents who were born in Kanin Fjord are eligible for election to the town council and mayorship. Additionally, a minimum age requirement of 25 was also established. This effectively prevented anyone who immigrated into town from being able to serve on the city council and gave the original villagers complete power over Kanin Fjord’s government.
While the changes were considered controversial and even discriminatory to people moving into town, nonetheless; the amendments were enacted as town law on July 1, 2002 and would remain in effect for through 1 election cycle. Opposition to the amendment was widespread and even Navnår was against it. It only required a few weeks from being enacted before several legal challenges were filed in the Norwegian courts.
Kanin Fjord Circa 2002
Before and After Pictures
Another picture of residential development to the north.
High density apartments and condominiums
New combination elementary/ high school
Football (soccer) field and visitors lodge
Home with an incredible view
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