Three Northwest Territories infrastructure projects benefitting from joint government funding

YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES--(Marketwired - Nov. 8, 2016) - The governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories, together with local community governments, are investing in modern public infrastructure that will help create jobs, while improving Northern Canadians' quality of life and contributing to stronger communities.

Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Caroline Cochrane, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, today announced more than $4 million in funding for three infrastructure projects across the Territory under the Government of Canada's Small Communities Fund.

This funding will help improve the sewage lagoon system in Fort Liard, upgrade eight roads in Norman Wells, as well as upgrade Aklavik's recreation centre. Once complete, the work will significantly improve key municipal services for residents and help boost regional development.

Through the Small Communities Fund, the governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories will continue to work in partnership to fund priority public infrastructure projects that will contribute to stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable communities in the North.

Quotes

"Infrastructure is key to helping the middle class find good jobs and boosts economic development. By offering significant infrastructure funding, Canadian communities will benefit from investments that promote sustainable development and long-term prosperity in the North. Municipalities know best what their communities need, and those insights are integral to building the infrastructure of the 21st century."

Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories

On behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Investments through the Small Communities Fund assist local governments in the Northwest Territories to address local infrastructure priorities through the wide range of eligible project categories. The variety of infrastructure projects that receive funding is demonstrated in the support for recreational facilities, roads and wastewater management facilities in these three communities. The projects announced today will provide positive benefits and improve the quality of life for residents."

The Honourable Caroline Cochrane, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

"Infrastructure development is vital to the health and wellbeing of the people of Norman Wells. Residents have expressed their concern around negative impacts of poor road surfaces and dust throughout the Town. Investments like this improve the quality of life for our residents, making life easier, healthier, and safer for everyone living and working in Norman Wells. There is also a significant boost from these projects to the local economy. We are delighted to be working closely with the governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories on behalf of the residents of Norman Wells and appreciate the support received through these strategic investments in community public infrastructure."

Nathan Watson, Mayor of Norman Wells

"These upgrades to our recreation center will reduce our energy consumption, support community operations and provide residents with recreation options for physical activity. The Hamlet of Aklavik continues to support and encourage healthy lifestyle choices."

Charlie Furlong, Mayor of Aklavik

"The Hamlet of Fort Liard continues to invest in our community's public infrastructure to ensure that we continue to operate and manage our assets and systems in a sustainable way that supports the delivery of municipal services to residents. Funding partnerships with the Government of Canada through the Small Communities Fund and support from the Government of the Northwest Territories have created opportunities for the community to complete infrastructure upgrades and extend the life of our facilities for many years to come."

Steven Steeves, Mayor of Fort Liard

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years to support public transit, green and social infrastructure, transportation infrastructure that supports trade, and rural and northern communities.
• The Government of Canada will provide $2,655,250 through the Small Communities Fund for these projects, which have a total project cost of $4,482,676.
• The community governments will contribute the remaining $1,827,426.

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Associated Links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan

Federal infrastructure investments in the Northwest Territories

Small Communities Fund

Department of Municipal and Community Affairs - Small Communities Fund

New Building Canada Plan

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada