Yellowknife, NWT (July 15, 2009) - Funding for ten new energy efficiency and water and wastewater infrastructure projects in communities across the Northwest Territories was announced today.
The joint announcement was made by the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Environment, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, along with the Honourable J. Michael Miltenberger, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Government of the Northwest Territories.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with the Government of the Northwest Territories to support projects that contribute not only to economic and social development for Northerners, but that also help reduce the impact on the environment," said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Environment. "This investment underscores our continued commitment to strengthening the quality of life for Northwest Territories residents."
The projects are funded through the Municipal and Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), a cost-sharing program of more than $38 million between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories. Projects located in tax-based communities (communities that generate all or a major source of their revenues through an assessment of properties) are also supported by municipal contributions.
"The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to supporting energy efficient infrastructure to ensure an environment that will sustain present and future generations," added Minister Miltenberger on behalf of Minister McLeod. "The funding for these projects will improve energy efficiency in our communities and supports our Government's Managing This Land initiative."
Today's announcement includes the following ten projects:
- Village of Fort Simpson Four Bay Garage Energy Efficiency Retrofit - $259,552;
- City of Yellowknife Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP) Replacement - $1,700,000;
- Town of Inuvik Woodbox Utilidor Replacement Program - $1,400,000;
- Town of Inuvik Advanced Meter Reading - $31,500;
- Town of Hay River Recreation Centre Heat Reclamation - $301,400;
- City of Yellowknife Swimming Pool Heat Recovery System - $300,000;
- Town of Inuvik Midnight Sun Recreation Complex Solar Air Conditioning - $130,000;
- Town of Inuvik Midnight Sun Recreation Complex Air Destratification Systems - $12,000;
- Town of Inuvik Midnight Sun Recreation Complex Building Envelope - $1,275,000; and
- Town of Norman Wells Underground Utilidor - $1,500,000.
Through MRIF, the Government of Canada continues to work in partnership with provinces, territories, and municipalities, First Nations and the private sector to invest in local infrastructure projects. Improvements to municipal systems also encourage economic and social development that benefits Northerners, in keeping with Canada's Northern Strategy.
Backgrounder - Canada-Northwest Territories Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund
For more information, please contact:
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Nina Chiarelli
Press Secretary
819-997-0002
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, NWT Region
Petra White
Senior Communications Officer
(867) 669-2580
Municipal and Community Affairs
Rebecca Alty
Communications Advisor
(867) 920-3092
