The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, announced a combined investment of over $3.1 million, delivered through CanNor, to support nine projects and help communities across the Northwest Territories recover and grow.

"Public spaces have the power to bring communities together. Our government is helping build and revitalize community gathering places from the arbour and campsites in Nahanni Butte, to places for youth to gather and be active outdoors like the Norman Wells Skate Park, and the basketball courts in Whati. The pandemic has been particularly tough on young people. These investments will help northerners come together safely, and ensure they can continue to thrive in their home communities."

–    The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

"Strong communities and their residents are the backbone of the North. Northerners in NWT communities have been hard-hit by COVID-19 and have responsibly abided by public health restrictions for nearly two years. By helping create accessible spaces and revitalizing places for gatherings, sports, and recreation, we are helping rebuild healthy and vibrant communities. Strategic community investments inspire revitalization, create jobs and lead to economic sustainability. People and their communities are at the centre of the Government of Canada's COVID-19 recovery plan."

–    Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament, Northwest Territories

"With our targeted programs and strong federal partnerships, we are able to encourage and support initiatives that help communities invest in themselves. The repairs and upgrades in Colville Lake will help the community revitalize its infrastructure and create accessibility for those who need it. With restrictions around leisure travel about to be eased, these types of initiatives will also help communities strengthen their presence and potential, and position themselves as vibrant, strong communities driving their own change while contributing to the larger economy of the Northwest Territories."

–    The Honourable Carolyn Wawzonek, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Government of the Northwest Territories

"As our communities emerge from pandemic related restrictions, it is important that we develop safe, vibrant spaces to gather and build relationships with our friends, neighbours, and visitors. Through CanNor's support, Bob McMeekin Park will be revitalized as a prominent, inclusive space within our community to play, entertain, and rejuvenate."

–     Mayor Kandis Jameson, Town of Hay River

"We, at Denesoline, believe the Lutsel K'e Command Centre will greatly benefit the community. Visitors travelling to Lutsel K'e will be assured of clean and comfortable hotel rooms, which will have huge implications for tourism and building the local economy. The rentable office space will be used for business startups and other community members, encouraging productivity through creating work friendly environments. Families with young children and toddlers will also benefit from the daycare, giving them more time to pursue other work, and build capacity while their children are being looked after and helped with their development in a friendly atmosphere. As well as serving as a café, the kitchen/dining area will be available for rental by community members to host events, and also for on the land harvesters to clean their harvests. Overall, this complex is a much needed community project which will build upon the existing infrastructure and propel Lutsel K'e towards being an even more welcoming and desirable destination than it already is."

– Haroon Bhatti, Innovations Manager at Denesoline Corporation

• The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) aims to help communities across Canada build and improve community infrastructure projects so they can rebound from the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a national investment of $500 million over two years, the Fund supports not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and other community groups, as well as Indigenous communities.

• To learn more about the program, please visit Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF)

Related products

• Backgrounder: CanNor makes key infrastructure revitalization investments to support NWT communities

Associated links

• CanNor announces successful applicants for Phase 1 of the Northern Food Innovation Challenge
• Northern Food Innovation Challenge projects announced
• Government of Canada investment supports Indigenous resource development in the Northwest Territories
• Government of Canada investment supports tourism industry in Northwest Territories
• Government of Canada investments to provide robust support for key areas of the Northern economy

Kyle Allen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister Responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
819-953-1153

Barbara Abramchuk
Communications Advisor, NWT
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Barbara.Abramchuk@cannor.gc.ca

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