The GNWT announced more than $3.1 million in joint funding for four infrastructure projects across the Northwest Territories on Wednesday.
The federal government will cover around $2.3 million of the projects through the Small Communities Fund, with community governments footing the bill for the remaining nearly $780,000.
The projects:
- A $166,667 multi-purpose outdoor recreational facility in Tsiigehtchic ($125,000 – federal, $41,667 – community)
- A $658,667 new arena facility in the Hamlet of Sachs Harbour ($494,000 – federal, $164,667 – community)
- A $746,667 upgrade to the Hamlet office in Ulukhaktok ($560,000 – federal, $186,667 – community)
- A over $1.5 million 6-bay public works garage to keep water and sewer trucks safe from the elements in Behchokǫ̀ ($1,159,000 – federal, $386,334 – community)
This funding comes as part of the Government of Canada’s plan to invest $180 billion to support public transit, trade, and infrastructure over the next 12 years.
The communities themselves choose what projects they need funding for.
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Caroline Cochrane says that without this federal money, the projects just wouldn’t be possible, and these are important investments into the communities.
“The projects not only improve current infrastructure, they’ll also support the delivery of programs and services to residents and importantly provide economic opportunities through employment and business to NWT residents and companies through construction,” Cochrane said.
“[The GNWT’s] main priority is actually to make sure that we take care of all the residents of the Northwest Territories. Infrastructure is a key component to actually taking care of wellness for all residents.”
Cochrane says work on some of the projects is expected to start as early as this summer.
