Feds give $16M towards infrastructure
Thirteen communities will have help with rec centre, arena and Utilitdor upgrades
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Monday, March 21, 2016
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
The federal government announced last week that it has doled out $16 million to help fund infrastructure projects in communities across the territory.
The largest chunk of money is going to Hay River - $4.2 million towards the town's plan to expand and modernize the Don Stewart Recreation Centre ahead of the 2018 Arctic Winter Games, which Hay River will co-host with Fort Smith. The project is estimated to cost around $20 million.
The funding was announced jointly by NWT MP Michael McLeod and Department of Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Robert C. McLeod on March 16 at the legislative assembly.
Hay River mayor Brad Mapes said the funding announcement is good news for his community for two reasons.
It will give the community a chance to showcase the facility during the Arctic Winter Games and the improvements will contribute to the overall atmosphere of Hay River.
"The arena is definitely something that the town considers a wellness part of our community. It's where everybody networks," Mapes said. "Wellness is key for our community to be a better spot and attract people to our community - and retain people."
The funding was provided through the New Building Canada Plan's Small Communities Fund. This program allows for the feds to contribute up to 75 per cent of the cost of infrastructure projects in communities with fewer than 100,000 residents. Mapes said he is not disappointed the town only received 17 per cent of the cost of upgrading the recreation complex while other NWT communities received a full three-quarters of the overall cost of their projects.
"Our project was the largest project that was out there," he said. "I realize that the government is having to sharpen their pencils and cut corners. We're hoping that the government can come back and look at other funds that they can give our community but we're trying to do it as much as possible on our own."
Also getting money for work on their arena is the nearby K'atlodeeche First Nation. The reserve received $125,000 to go towards the arena's $1.5 million overall price tag.
Inuvik received the second largest chunk of funding - almost $4.3 million to go towards the upgrade of its Utilidor - an above ground water and sewer system. That project's estimated overall cost is approximately $5.7 million.
Michael McLeod said his government is committed to substantial funding for NWT infrastructure projects.
"Our government has made unprecedented commitments to support public infrastructure across Canada. By working in partnership with every order of government, we will target smart infrastructure investments to produce long-term prosperity and strengthen communities," said Michael McLeod.
"They will have a positive and lasting impact on the quality of life for Northern Canadians for years to come."
Robert C. McLeod said the investment shows the importance of co-operation between different levels of government.
"These 13 projects are the result of collaboration between the GNWT and the federal government and will allow NWT communities to proceed with improvements to community roads, recreation facilities, water treatment facilities, waste water and solid waste facilities," the minister said. "This partnership invests in local communities thereby making them stronger and more sustainable."
The Trudeau government has committed to spending $285 million on infrastructure projects in the NWT over the next 10 years.
The lion's share of that money will be spent on transportation, including roads, highways, airports and ferry services.
Fact file
Projects that will receive funding
Recipient Project Grant Total cost
Hay River Rec centre $4.2M $24.5M
Fort Resolution Pool, youth centre $650,000 $650,000
Fort Providence Road rehab $396,000 $528,000
Fort Simpson Fitness centre $447,514 $597,685
Behchoko Wastewater system upgrade $1.1M $1.5M
Whati Water treatment plant $323,000 $431,000
Norman Wells Arena floor $450,000 $600,000
Norman Wells Franklin Street sewer $1.1M $1.4M
Norman Wells Road chip seal $1.1M $1,4M
Inuvik Utilidor upgrade $4.3M $5.7M
K'atlodeeche First Nation Arena $125,000 $1.5M
Tuktoyaktuk Solid waste site $789,000 $1.1M
Paulatuk, Gameti, Wekeeti Water treatment plants $1.5M $9.5M
Source: Department of Municipal and Community Affairs
