The community along the West Channel village in Hay River will be safer from floods after an investment of more than $1.1 million from the federal government.
Announced by MP Michael McLeod and Mayor Kandis Jameson, this project will mitigate current and future impacts of climate change while meeting the diversified needs of the regional population and economy.
Climate change is increasing the frequency, susceptibility, and severity of floods in the West Channel village. The most severe ones in this neigbourhood occur when the spring snowmelt coincides with ice-jams that form during the break up of river ice. Due to this, the region is seeing costly damage, on average, once every three years.
The funding will help enhance an existing berm to provide a barrier between land and water. In addition, Alaska Road will be repaired and protected from further erosion and damage. Once the project is completed, residents will be less at risk for losing essential services, their connection to the land and their opportunity to work. By upgrading this critical infrastructure, there are projected savings of $4.67 for every dollar invested.
