NWT MP Michael McLeod and Alfred Moses, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs announced funding for 19 infrastructure projects across the territory today.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $31.3 million through various streams under the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. Various communities and Indigenous groups are also contributing more than $14.2 million in funding.
Moses stated that Municipal and Community Affairs will continue to work with communities to enhance funding opportunities that meet northern priorities.
“Today’s announcement of funding towards 19 community infrastructure projects demonstrates the ongoing partnership between the GNWT, the Government of Canada, NWT Indigenous Governments, and NWT community governments to invest in community-based infrastructure projects.”
Residents will benefit from new developments and upgrades to cultural camps for the Indigenous community governments of Gamètì, Whatì and Wekweètì, and in Inuvik for the Nihtat Gwich’in Council.
These new camps will provide community members with a place to host culturally significant events and local traditional gatherings. In addition, funding will go to upgrading the Ko Gocho Centre in Behchoko, and to the Arbour and Tepee at the Edhaa Historical Site, which will increase its lifespan.
McLeod noted that this is an excellent example of what can be done when all levels of government work together to build stronger, more self-sustaining communities.
“Investments in local infrastructure, including cultural, recreational, road and water projects help our communities provide efficient and reliable services for northerners in the region.”
There will also be road upgrades in several communities including Fort Simpson, Hay River, Norman Wells, Tuktoyaktuk, and Yellowknife which will improve the reliability of road infrastructure across the NWT. Other investments will go towards trail development, wastewater, and solid waste management projects which will benefit communities across the territory.
