CanNor-09-019
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (January 29, 2010) - Yellowknife is now one step closer to having a Harbour Commission that will promote responsible waterfront development, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) today announced $200,000 over three years to support the planning, research and public consultation activities that will lead to the creation of a Harbour Commission in Yellowknife.
“This funding will help Yellowknife prepare for a new Harbour Commission that will encourage residential, tourism and business development opportunities along the waterfront,” said Minister Strahl. “Our government is proud to support this type of proactive community planning which will stimulate the economy, while ensuring that sensitive environmental and cultural areas are respected.”
“Waterfront areas have an important role in our communities, attracting residents and visitors alike to exercise, play, shop and live,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health. “This forward-looking initiative will ensure that waterfront development in Yellowknife meets the needs of Northerners.”
This federal investment of $200,000 over three years will support planning, research and public consultation activities that will lead to the creation of a Harbour Commission. The new Harbour Commission will develop a plan to promote responsible waterfront development in the Yellowknife Bay and Back Bay areas. Developing the waterfront for commercial, recreational and residential purposes will lead to economic spin-offs and diversified business and tourism activities that will benefit community members.
“For many years the cooperative development of the Yellowknife waterfront has been a topic of lively discussion,” said Gordon Van Tighem, Mayor of the City of Yellowknife. “We certainly appreciate the CanNor SINED funding as a means to allow us to move forward, together with our partners, to realize the social, economic, cultural and residential opportunities for all of our residents and visitors.”
As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan , the Government of Canada is providing funding through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program. The SINED program funds economic development projects that enhance economic infrastructure, develop capacity and promote economic diversification. The SINED program falls under the mandate of CanNor and focuses on long-term economic development in the three territories. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy.
Backgrounder - CanNor Has Approved Plan for the Creation of Harbour Commission in Yellowknife
For further information please contact:
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
(819) 997-0002
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), NWT Region
Petra White
Communications Advisor
(867) 669-2580
