Canada and Northwest Territories Reach Agreement Under New Federal Infrastructure Funding Programs

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Sept. 6, 2016) - Infrastructure Canada

The governments of Canada and Northwest Territories are making investments that will help create good jobs and grow the middle class while building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future. Investing in local infrastructure helps ensure that Canadians have safe water and wastewater systems that they can rely on, and high-quality public transit systems that get them to work on time and back home safely.

Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Robert C. McLeod, Minister Responsible for Infrastructure, announced a bilateral agreement that will make close to $69 million in combined funding available to Northwest Territories communities under two new federal programs - the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. The federal government is providing up to 75 per cent of funding - just over $52 million - for projects supported through these programs and the territorial government and communities will provide the balance of funding.

Also announced today was an initial list of 30 approved projects under the two new funding programs. The list includes an important investment to upgrade Fort Simpson's water, sewer and storm water drainage system, which will contribute to clean and reliable drinking water, support future growth, and better protect the local environment. In Yellowknife, public transit upgrades will include the construction of accessible bus stops, sidewalks, wheel chair ramps, curb drops and bus pull-out areas to improve safety and accessibility for all commuters.

For the complete list of identified projects in the Northwest Territories, please visit: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=1119839.

Quotes

"Infrastructure is the foundation of the Canada we want to build for tomorrow. The Government of Canada recognizes that we need a solid partnership with all orders of government to support infrastructure and create good, well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today. We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with the Northwest Territories, which will make close to $69 million in funding available so that Northwest Territories communities can address their specific infrastructure priorities."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Investing in community public infrastructure supports local governments to manage their needs, increase the capacity and lifespan of local assets, and ensure that services to residents are enhanced. These strategic investments create economic opportunities for our residents and businesses that have a significant impact towards the overall management of the water, and wastewater systems of the Northwest Territories."

Robert C. McLeod, Minister Responsible for Infrastructure

Quick facts

• This funding is part of the first phase of Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's historic $120-billion plan to support public infrastructure across the country over the next 10 years.
• Phase 1 of Investing in Canada provides $11.9 billion in investments to support public transit systems, green infrastructure projects, and social infrastructure projects. Details on Phase 2 of Investing in Canada will be announced over the next months.
• This marks the eleventh agreement the Government of Canada has signed with provincial and territorial partners in the last two months. As of today, over $5.2 billion are flowing to provinces and territories who have signed onto agreements for the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund.
• Under this agreement, the Government of Canada has made its funding retroactive to April 1, 2016, so projects can proceed without delay to ensure a productive construction season.

Associated links

Federal infrastructure investments in the Northwest Territories

Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $120 billion infrastructure plan

Have your say on infrastructure

The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund

The Clean Water and Wastewater Fund

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada

Backgrounder

Canada and the Northwest Territories Reach Agreement under New Federal Infrastructure Funding Programs

Canada and the Northwest Territories have approved 30 community infrastructure projects, to date, under two new federal infrastructure programs introduced as part of Phase 1 of the 10-year Investing in Canada plan. The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund will address key infrastructure priorities with a focus on repairing and upgrading existing facilities and assets.

Clean Water and Wastewater Fund

The Government of Canada is providing over $51 million and Community Governments of the Northwest Territories are providing over $17 million for 29 projects to rehabilitate and improve the community water and wastewater systems across the territory. Combined with territorial and municipal contributions, more than $68 million will be going toward providing Northwest Territories families with clean reliable water sources.

Public Transit Infrastructure Fund

The Government of Canada is providing $320,000 and the City of Yellowknife is providing over $106,600 for the Yellowknife transit project to improve public transit services, and increase passenger safety and accessibility. Combined with territorial and municipal contributions, more than $426,600 will be going toward public transit in Yellowknife.