Community Centres in the Northwest Territories will be seeing some upgrades.
Member of Parliament, Michael McLeod, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest $1,749,256 into renovating and upgrading the centres.
The investment is through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150)
McLeod said the investment will improve Northern communities by being another way to bring people together.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support projects that renovate and restore community and cultural spaces for northern families, youth and elders. By investing in community infrastructure, we are fostering healthier and more inclusive communities in Canada’s North.”
The renovations will take place in six communities spread out across the territory:
- Dettah Wellness Centre
- Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre (Hay River)
- Fort Simpson Recreation Centre
- Hamlet of Paulatuk Community Complex
- Tłı̨chǫ Łeagia Ts’ı̨ı̨lı̨ Kǫ Friendship Centre
- Norman Wells Recreation Complex
Mayor of Fort Simpson Darlene Sibbeston said the funding will help make it easier for residents to have more fun.
“The Village of Fort Simpson is currently upgrading the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems in the Recreation Center. The funding provided by CanNor’s Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will result in decreased operating costs and improve climate conditions in the facility. The upgrade to the building will benefit residents and make their time spent at the centre more enjoyable—whether it is watching their children play hockey or exercising at the gym.”
The six Community Centres will all receive unique repairs from the investments.
- The Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) Dettah Wellness Centre received $500,000 in funding over two years which upgraded the interior exterior of the building including new insulation, accessibility improvements, electrical and mechanical systems, and installation of a commercial grade kitchen.
- The Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre used $374,500 over two years to install an efficient boiler heating system, better roof insulation, energy efficient lighting, kitchen appliances and will improves accessibility at its front entrance.
- The Village of Fort Simpson received a commitment of $300,000 from CanNor over two years to refurbish the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in the community recreation centre.
- The Tłı̨chǫ Łeagia Ts’ı̨ı̨lı̨ Kǫ Friendship Centre used up to $315,000 in funding to raise, stabilize, and level the building. They also built an addition for use by the community’s homeless as well as creating a community greenhouse to support food security efforts in the community. They will install a wood-pellet boiler heating system to cut the cost of heating and reduce their carbon footprint.
- The Town of Norman Wells will use up to $199,756 in funding to renovate and improve accessibility and building structure, install a new ventilation and heating system, with new bleachers, doors and heaters installed at the curling rink.
- The Hamlet of Paulatuk Complex used their $60,000 in committed funding to provide structural and aesthetic renovations including the installation of triple pane windows and improved interior and exterior lighting.
The Government of Canada says the goal of CIP 150 is to improve the comfort level for users, reduce operating costs, and meet the growing demand for event and activity space in these NWT communities.
