Investing in improved community and cultural infrastructure across the Northwest Territories

News release

Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, August 5, 2021—Investments in local infrastructure by the governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories during this unprecedented time will help stimulate the economy and address the needs of northern communities as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investments to build and upgrade community and recreation infrastructure will ensure that Northerners have access to modern and efficient facilities and services across the territory.

Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Shane Thompson, Territorial Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, announced joint funding for 15 community infrastructure projects across the Northwest Territories.

The Government of Canada is investing over $16.6 million in these projects through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) and the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Northwest Territories’ communities and Indigenous recipients are providing over $8.7 million towards these projects.

Among the projects funded, upgrades to Tuktoyaktuk’s water treatment plant will benefit residents by providing cleaner and more reliable drinking water and ensuring the long-term functioning of the plant. In Tulita, the construction of a Dene cultural centre will create a central gathering place for residents and visitors alike to celebrate and preserve the Dene culture.

All orders of government continue to work together for Northerners to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the territory when they need it the most.

Quotes

“Northern communities are an integral part of our country, and they have been impacted by COVID-19 in unprecedented ways. Investments in community and recreation infrastructure projects, like the ones announced today, are essential to the health and well-being of Canadians. Through the Investing in Canada Plan, the Government of Canada invests in thousands of infrastructure projects in all areas of the country, creating jobs and strengthening communities at a time when it is needed most.”

Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“As the NWT emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we invest in projects that help communities demonstrate their resilience as the economy recovers. These new spaces will create a welcome opportunity for our residents to gather and celebrate again. The projects being funded will help to revitalize much needed community infrastructure, invest in local economies and open public spaces for community members to come together safely and foster the sharing of cultural knowledge.”

The Honourable Shane Thompson, Territorial Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

“The Water Treatment Plant upgrade will provide the Incorporated Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk with the proper equipment to ensure that we continue to provide our residents with clean, safe drinking water and meet the national drinking water standards.”

His Worship Erwin Elias, Mayor of Tuktoyaktuk

“Culture, unity and community are important for Tulita’s Dene community. Tulita’s Dene Cultural centre will provide a unique space for Tulita’s Dene to celebrate and share our history, culture and heritage with the rest of the world.”

Tulita Land Corporation

Quick facts

  • Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

  • To support Canadians and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new stream has been added to the over $33-billion Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories.

  • Across the Northwest Territories, the Government of Canada has invested more than $565 million in over 130 infrastructure projects.

  • Across Canada, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic the Government of Canada has contributed $9.7 billion to 3,500 infrastructure projects.

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Contacts

Emelyana Titarenko
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
873-355-9576
emelyana.titarenko@infc.gc.ca

Jay Boast
Communications Planning Specialist
Municipal and Community Affairs, Government of the Northwest Territories
867-767-9162 ext. 21044
jay_boast@gov.nt.ca

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
media@infc.gc.ca
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