Kakisa River Bridge Replacement Project identified as a priority for funding under Building Canada
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, February 21, 2008 - The governments of Canada and Northwest Territories today announced the signing of a Framework Agreement worth $245.8 million under Building Canada, the Government of Canada’s new long-term infrastructure plan. This investment will help address public infrastructure needs and priorities in the Northwest Territories.
The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) and Member of Parliament for Calgary-Nose Hill, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Michael McLeod, Minister of Public Works and Services, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, and Minister Responsible for Youth, for the Government of the Northwest Territories, participated in today’s announcement. They were joined by the Honourable Norman Yakeleya, Minister of Transportation, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and Minister Responsible for Seniors, for the Government of the Northwest Territories.
The governments of Canada and Northwest Territories also indicated that the Kakisa River Bridge Replacement Project will be a priority for funding under Building Canada. The project includes the replacement of the 50-year old bridge with a new 179-metre long, three-span, two-lane bridge. The total estimated cost of the Kakisa Bridge Replacement Project is $18 million.
“The signing of a Framework Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories will result in significant infrastructure initiatives which will strengthen the territory’s economy and communities, and contribute to a cleaner environment,” said Secretary of State Ablonczy. “The Kakisa River Bridge Replacement Project is an important step toward ensuring residents of the Northwest Territories have modern, safe and efficient infrastructure.”
“This agreement is a significant step forward in addressing the Northwest Territories’ overall infrastructure deficit,” said Minister McLeod. “The enhanced investment in our transportation infrastructure, and in infrastructure that supports the delivery of essential services at the community level, will increase the quality of life for all residents. We look forward to finalizing a funding agreement with the Government of Canada so that we can proceed with critical priority projects.”
Through combining the Building Canada Fund and $25 million per year in Base Funding (provided to each province and territory), an allocation of $185.8 million will be available through to 2014 to help address core infrastructure priorities at both the territorial and community level. The federal government will contribute 75 per cent for public infrastructure, while the Territories will contribute an additional 25 per cent. An additional $60 million will flow to communities in the Northwest Territories through the extension of the Gas Tax Fund agreement from 2010 to 2014, bringing the total infrastructure funding under the agreement to over $245 million.
The Canada-Northwest Territories Framework Agreement outlines how the Building Canada plan will operate in the territory. The two governments have agreed that community infrastructure will be one of the priorities for investment under Building Canada. The two governments will work together to address infrastructure priorities, such as water, wastewater, green energy, regional and community airports, community and intercommunity access roads. Through the Agreement, the two governments will also establish a mechanism for reporting to Canadians on the results of these investments.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada will support a stronger, safer and better country.
For further information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
For further information contact:
Karine White
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Debbie Delancey
Deputy Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-873-7118
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
