YELLOWKNIFE, April 19, 2017 /CNW/ - Rural and northern communities have unique infrastructure needs. Investing in modern and efficient infrastructure supports local economic opportunities, which goes hand in hand with improving family income, job opportunities and quality of life for those living and working in the North.
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 $3.1 million in joint funding for four infrastructure projects across the Territory.
The funding will help construct a new arena in Sachs Harbour, build a multi-purpose outdoor recreation facility in Tsiigehtchic, upgrade the existing Hamlet of Ulukhaktok office, and construct a 6-bay garage to support the parking and storage of water and sewer trucks in Behchokǫ̀.
Once completed, these projects will contribute to stronger, more inclusive and sustainable communities in the North.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports cohesive and vibrant communities. Along with our territorial partners, we are proud to support projects like the ones announced today that will provide those living and working in the Northwest Territories with new community gathering places, improved health and recreational opportunities, and more reliable community services."
Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories
On behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"The GNWT continues to put an emphasis on leveraging New Building Canada Plan funds to support community government infrastructure. Infrastructure investments assist NWT communities to upgrade and build new facilities which support the delivery of municipal programs and services. These 4 projects will contribute to positive outcomes that improve quality of life for residents and municipal operations."
The Honourable Caroline Cochrane,
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Government of the Northwest Territories
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- To meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities, Budget 2017 proposes to invest $2 billion to support a broad range of infrastructure projects.
- The Government of Canada will provide up to $2,338,000 for the four projects being announced today through the Small Communities Fund.
- The community governments will contribute the remaining $779,335 for the four projects, which have a total eligible cost of $3,117,335.
Related product
Read the backgrounder to learn more.
Backgrounder
The governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories are announcing funding for four infrastructure projects in the Territory under the New Building Canada Plan's Small Communities Fund. The Government of Canada will provide up to $2,338,000 for these projects, which have a total eligible cost of $3,117,335. The community governments will contribute the remaining $779,335.
The Small Communities Fund provides support for priority public infrastructure projects that deliver on local needs in communities across Canada that have fewer than 100,000 residents.
The projects announced today are as follows:
| Recipient |
Project Description |
Community Contribution |
Federal Contribution |
| Hamlet of Sachs Harbour |
New arena facility |
$164,667 |
$494,000 |
| Charter Community of Tsiigehtchic |
Multi-purpose outdoor recreational facility |
$41,667 |
$125,000 |
| Hamlet of Ulukhaktok |
Hamlet office upgrade |
$186,667 |
$560,000 |
| Community Government of Behchokǫ̀ |
6-Bay Public Works Garage |
$386,334 |
$1,159,000 |
For more information on the Small Communities Fund, please visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html.
Associated links
Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017
Federal infrastructure investments in the Northwest Territories
Small Communities Fund
Department of Municipal and Community Affairs – Small Communities Fund
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Contacts: Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [email protected]; Jay Boast, Communications and Website Advisor, Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Government of the Northwest Territories, 867-767-9162 ext. 21044, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada: 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]
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