Today, 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 that help communities across the Northwest Territories in their recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This investment through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) will help communities across the Northwest Territories with building and improving community infrastructure. The funds support the building of new community infrastructure and revitalizing already existing structures and assets, bringing people back to community public spaces safely as COVID-related health measures ease, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
NWT Initiatives supported by CanNor
Islamic Cultural Centre - Phase II - $686,910
CanNor is investing $686,910 towards a two-year project, with a further investment of $860,738 from the Islamic Society of North America-Canada (ISNAC). The total cost of the project is $1,547,648. The funding supports the construction of an Islamic Cultural Centre in Yellowknife and assists with Phase II of the project, which focuses on the completion of the building's exterior and weather proofing. Once completed, the cultural centre will serve as a hub for Yellowknife's Muslim community and the broader public. This project will help revitalize Yellowknife's downtown core, and supports the participation of under-represented groups in community revitalization. The project has broad community support from the City of Yellowknife, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and other community groups.
Bob McMeekin Park Enhancement Project - $211,600
CanNor is investing $211,600 towards a two-year project, with a further investment of $52,900 from the Town of Hay River, supporting the Bob McMeekin Park Enhancement Project. The total cost of the project is $264,500. The park revitalization project includes improving accessibility for persons with disabilities, landscaping and the construction of a monument and a modernized welcome sign. The project will contribute to the revitalization of a high-use public space frequented by Hay River residents and tourists.
Dettah Mixed Park and Community Space - $500,000
CanNor is investing $500,000 towards a two-year project with a further investment of $177,315 from the Det'on Cho Management LP, the economic arm of the Yellowknives Dene First Nations, supporting the construction of a community park and establishment of an accessible community space in Dettah, located 25 kilometres from Yellowknife. The total cost of the project is $677,315. Project funding will support the establishment of a community greenspace with amenities, including a gazebo, picnic tables, food preparation area, washrooms and a new children's playground. The project will enhance accessibility for elders and those with mobility challenges through the building of ramps that will provide access to the site located on a rock outcrop. Ten seasonal jobs are anticipated to be created through this project.
Whati Community Outdoor Basketball Courts and Recreational Space - $445,250
CanNor is investing $445,250 towards a two-year project with a further investment of $49,475 from the Community Government of Whati. The total cost of the project is $494,725. Project funding supports the construction of two custom basketball courts in Whati, and includes scoreboards, scorer's table, players' benches, and hoops. The project also supports the development of an outdoor recreational space for community use that will include benches and picnic tables, fire pits, and a small playground. The construction will help revitalize Whati's downtown core and outdoor spaces, and promote healthy living in the community. The project is expected to create eight jobs during the construction phase.
Lutsel K'e Command Centre - $449,000
CanNor is investing $449,000 towards a two-year project with a further investment of $500,000 from the Denesoline Corporation the economic development arm of the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation. The total cost of the project is $949,000. The project funding will assist with the installation and construction of the Lutsel K'e Command Centre, a community complex and multi-purpose facility that includes hotel rooms, a daycare, rentable office space, a kitchen/dining area and an arts and crafts centre. The Command Centre will provide much needed community infrastructure to support the community, families, entrepreneurs and visitors. Lutsel K'e also serves as the entrance way to Thaidene Nëné National Park. As a result of this project, Lutsel K'e will have a multi-purpose centre and it is anticipated that six or more jobs will be created.
Nahanni Butte Arbour and Recreation Spaces Upgrades - $498,975
CanNor is investing $498,975 towards a two-year project supporting the Nahanni Butte Dene Band (NBDB) to construct an arbour, a community gathering place, improve campsite facilities and develop an access path project in Nahanni Butte. These recreational areas will serve as multipurpose facilities for community events. The newly constructed arbour, washrooms, showers and kitchen community camp facilities will have accessible entrances designed and installed for enhanced accessibility to elders and persons with disabilities. This project will provide community infrastructure for community events that will help improve social and community well-being. Both the arbour and campground will be used to host on the land activities. The project is expected to create six seasonal jobs.
Norman Wells Skate Park - $148,000
CanNor is investing $148,000 towards a two-year project supporting the construction of the Norman Wells Skate Park. The new recreational facility project will have positive impacts throughout the community including providing a much needed common space for residents, especially for youth to get outside and be active. This project is expected to create one seasonal job and maintain two jobs.
Gwich'in Camp Dock Upgrade for Accessibility Improvements - $63,354
CanNor is investing $63,354 in a two-year project supporting the Gwich'in Tribal Council's acquisition of a new versatile modular dock system in the first year of the project, followed by dock installation at the Gwich'in Wellness camp in year two. The new dock will provide safer access to the camp and will be specially designed to accommodate people with disabilities, including wheelchairs. The dock will accommodate more boats and facilitate an increase in camp usage. The Gwich'in Wellness Camp, built in 2006 by the Gwich'in Tribal Council and located 16.5 kilometres south of Inuvik, NWT, on the East Branch of the Nagwichoonjik (Mackenzie River), was primarily used in the past to provide programming for Indigenous peoples represented by the Gwich'in Tribal Council, and residents of the Mackenzie Delta and surrounding regions. The project will contribute to the expansion of culturally appropriate health and wellness programming and contribute to cultural reclamation opportunities, events, and celebrations. It is anticipated that the project will create two seasonal jobs and maintain one seasonal job in the short term.
Colville Lake Pedestrian Boardwalks, Public Docks, Piers and Recreation Area Repair, Expansion and Upgrades - $98,000
CanNor is investing $98,000 in a one-year project with a further investment of $18,500 from the Behdzi Ahda First Nation (BAFN) and $68,000 from the Government of the Northwest Territories. The total project cost is $184,500. This project funding supports the renovation, improvement and new construction of boardwalks, docks and other community infrastructure in Colville Lake. The project proposal includes the construction of 800 metres of pedestrian boardwalks connecting the community's central plaza, school and Co-op store, 200 metres of docks and piers which will be repaired and expanded, community park upgrades including the development of a natural green lawn for children, construction of up to 25 modular picnic tables situated 8 feet apart in compliance with COVID-19 safety measures, and fire pits. The upgrades will help create public access areas and support the community's rejuvenation. The community docks will be used by members of the Behdzi Ahda First Nation and visitors. The upgraded and expanded facilities will help re-animate community activities, enhance safety and accessibility for persons with disabilities and increase community infrastructure. The project is expected to create eight seasonal skilled and labourer jobs and maintain four full time jobs.
