Governments of Canada and Nunavut announce funding for nine community infrastructure projects benefitting 19 communities Français
IQALUIT, May 3, 2017 /CNW/ - Modern public infrastructure is key to supporting the unique needs of northern communities. Investing in green infrastructure protects the environment and 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.
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, is in Nunavut this week to meet with territorial and community leaders to discuss their infrastructure priorities. Today, Minister Sohi joined the Honourable Joe Savikataaq, Nunavut Minister of Community and Government Services, to announce over $230 million in joint funding for nine projects across 19 communities to upgrade solid waste management, and water and wastewater systems throughout the territory.
This investment will support important projects such as expanding storage capacity and enhancing water treatment and distribution in Arviat, Chesterfield Inlet and Sanikiluaq. In Kugaaruk and Kimmirut, funding will support the design and construction of upgraded wastewater infrastructure. And in communities like Grise Fiord, Gjoa Haven and Igloolik, existing landfills will be upgraded to improve waste management and recycling services. A full list of the communities and funded projects is available in the associated backgrounder.
The Government of Canada is providing up to $30,948,435 through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF) and $141,574,759 through the Small Communities Fund (SCF) towards these projects. The Government of Nunavut will provide the remaining $57,708,587. These projects are in addition to the CWWF projects announced in September 2016, as part of the bilateral agreement signing between Canada and Nunavut, and the SCF projects announced in February 2016 and in February 2017.
Once complete, these projects will improve the quality and reliability of drinking water, and better protect the environment by bringing wastewater treatment systems up to modern health and regulatory standards, and improving the capacity to manage solid waste and recyclables.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is committed to safeguarding public health and the environment while paving the way for economic growth through job creation. That is why I am proud to partner with the Government of Nunavut on investments that result in more modern and efficient water, waste management, and wastewater infrastructure. Together we will create the right conditions for growth, a healthy environment, and high quality of life for all of those living and working in the North."
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"This funding is supporting healthy communities in Nunavut and we look forward to working with the Government of Canada in the delivery of the next phase of federal infrastructure funding. Our primary focus is to work with Canada to ensure that investments are made to benefit Nunavummiut."
The Honourable Joe Savikataaq, Nunavut Minister of Community and Government Services
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Backgrounder
Governments of Canada and Nunavut announce funding for nine community infrastructure projects benefitting 19 communities
The governments of Canada and Nunavut are providing over $230 million in joint funding for nine infrastructure improvement projects across the territory. In all, 19 communities will benefit from the projects. The projects range from water and wastewater upgrades to waste management improvements. Federal funding is provided through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF) and the Small Communities Fund (SCF).
These projects are in addition to the CWWF projects announced in September 2016, as part of the bilateral agreement signing between Canada and Nunavut, and the SCF projects announced in February 2016 and in February 2017.
Clean Water and Wastewater Fund projects
| Project |
Communities benefitting |
Anticipated start date |
| Water infrastructure upgrades |
|
April 1, 2017 |
| Portable water supply unit to help ensure drinking water security, and other support to address water quality concerns. |
Unit will be available to support the emergency needs of the following communities:
|
April 1, 2017 |
| Wastewater infrastructure upgrades |
|
April 1, 2018 |
* Please note that funding for the water infrastructure upgrades in Arviat and Chesterfield Inlet was previously announced as part of the CWWF projects announced in September 2016. However, they are now bundled with Sanikiluaq for cost-efficiency and reporting purposes.
Small Communities Fund projects
| Project |
Communities benefitting |
Anticipated start date |
| Upgrade water treatment plant to:
|
Resolute Bay |
April 1, 2017 |
| Upgrade wastewater system by building a sewage treatment plant that meets regulatory treatment requirements. |
Resolute Bay |
April 1, 2019 |
| Upgrades to existing landfills to include:
|
|
February 1, 2017 |
|
April 1, 2017 |
|
|
April 1, 2018 |
|
| Upgrades to water and sewer distribution system to prevent line freezing and leaks. |
Rankin Inlet |
March 1, 2017 |
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.
- Budget 2017 proposes federal funding to build and improve infrastructure in Indigenous communities through an investment of $4 billion.
Associated links
- Government of Canada's $180 billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017
- Federal infrastructure investments in Nunavut
- Clean Water and Wastewater Fund
- Small Communities Fund
- Follow Minister Sohi's Nunavut trip on Twitter
- Building Nunavut
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [email protected]; Kris Mullaly, Policy Analyst/Communication Officer, Government of Nunavut, 867-975-5342, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, [email protected]
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