Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, November 6, 2007 - The Governments
of Canada and the Northwest Territories today announced over $1.27 million
in funding for community public transit infrastructure projects. Funding
was provided under the Canada-Northwest
Territories Public Transit Agreement and Canada's Public Transit
Capital Trust.
The projects receiving funding include: a minibus for Elders in Gameti;
public transit vehicles in Sachs Harbour, Lutselk'e and Hay River; bus
shelters, secure bike racks, signage for cycling trails, and pedestrian
walkways in Yellowknife; a trail system in Fort Smith; as well as path and
trail development and a Handi Bus transportation in Hay River.
"Canada's Government is working with the Government of the Northwest
Territories and local communities to address important public transit and
active transportation needs," said Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian
Affairs and Northern Development. "These projects will make a difference
to communities in the Northwest Territories and support our Government's
commitment to provide Canadians with cleaner air, economic opportunities,
and an improved quality of life. And through our long-term Building Canada
infrastructure plan, we will continue to invest in modern, world-class
infrastructure in the Northwest Territories and across the country."
"This is good news for the Northwest Territories and we know there is
more to come. We look forward to significant progress in the future to
help build a strong foundation for Northerners to be productive and
responsible partners in Canada," said Floyd Roland, Premier of the
Northwest Territories.
Michael McLeod, NWT Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs said,
"The nine projects announced today are the first projects selected to
receive Public Transit funds and these projects will improve both public
transit systems and active transportation infrastructure in the Northwest
Territories. These projects were scored and selected based on the program
priorities of sustainability, building on existing systems, project need
and partnerships."
The Government of the NWT circulated a call for applications, along
with information on the application guidelines and evaluation criteria, to
all NWT communities in April 2007 subsequent to the signing of the
Canada-Northwest Territories Public Transit Agreement. The projects
announced today are the recipients of funds allocated during the first two
of three application intakes. The final application deadline is March 1,
2008 where the remaining funds of over $425,000 will be allocated to
successful community public transit projects. The scoring criteria for
evaluating projects were developed in partnership with the NWT Association
of Communities. Project scoring utilizing these criteria is completed by a
team including GNWT staff from each region.
Funding for community public transit is one component of the
partnership investments Canada's Government is making in infrastructure.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada plan, the Government
will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet
infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada will support a
stronger, safer and better Canada. Over the last several months, the
Government of Canada has met with provinces, territories and the municipal
sector to discuss the Building Canada infrastructure plan and priority
projects to be funded under the plan.
Contacts:
Karine WhiteOffice of Lawrence CannonMinister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities613-991-0700
Debbie DeLanceyDeputy MinisterMunicipal and Community
AffairsGovernment of the Northwest Territories(867) 873-7118
Infrastructure Canada(613) 948-1148
