The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is investing $1 million in two projects in the Northwest Territories through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) to support infrastructure improvements to community facilities. The following projects are receiving this investment from CanNor.
In Inuvik, the Children's First Centre is a 13,000 square foot facility for early childhood care and education, and is scheduled to open in Summer 2013. The CanNor investment will support improvements to the kitchen and common space areas of the centre. Up to 120 children aged six months to 12 years will have access to services, and 19 permanent jobs will be created at the facility, delivering a significant and positive economic impact for Inuvik.
In Behchoko, CanNor funding will help to complete renovations to the multipurpose facility which has been closed since 2007 because of disrepair. When the facility is complete, it will offer recreation and fitness activities, office space for the community government and will increase community capacity to host conferences, assemblies, trade shows, and regional sporting events and competitions. The facility will reflect and showcase a strong Tlicho cultural theme, and will serve as the prime community gathering place. The community will also gain substantial employment and training opportunities during the planning and construction phases of the facility. It is scheduled to be complete in March 2014.
The Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) is a new two-year a national program to rehabilitate and improve existing community infrastructure across Canada. It will help to modernize community infrastructure and provide economic benefits, including support for job creation. Projects to repair and improve existing community infrastructure that is accessible to the public are funded on a cost-shared basis with municipal, regional and First Nation governments, as well as not-for-profit organizations. All projects are required to begin and end construction prior to March 31, 2014. CIIF is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada's multi-faceted plan to aid in creating jobs, growth and prosperity.
CIIF is delivered by CanNor in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon. CIIF is one of several economic development programs within CanNor. CanNor delivers on its exclusive northern mandate through funding programs, providing project management services, leveraging the federal role in the North, serving as a champion for northern interests, and undertaking policy and research.
