OREANDA-NEWS. September 07, 2016. The governments of Canada and Northwest Territories are making investments that will help create good jobs and grow the middle class while building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future. Investing in local infrastructure helps ensure that Canadians have safe water and wastewater systems that they can rely on, and high-quality public transit systems that get them to work on time and back home safely.

Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Robert C. McLeod, Minister Responsible for Infrastructure, announced a bilateral agreement that will make close to \\$69 million in combined funding available to Northwest Territories communities under two new federal programs – the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. The federal government is providing up to 75 per cent of funding – just over \\$52 million – for projects supported through these programs and the territorial government and communities will provide the balance of funding.

Also announced today was an initial list of 30 approved projects under the two new funding programs. The list includes an important investment to upgrade Fort Simpson's water, sewer and storm water drainage system, which will contribute to clean and reliable drinking water, support future growth, and better protect the local environment. In Yellowknife, public transit upgrades will include the construction of accessible bus stops, sidewalks, wheel chair ramps, curb drops and bus pull-out areas to improve safety and accessibility for all commuters.

For the complete list of identified projects in the Northwest Territories.

Quotes

"Infrastructure is the foundation of the Canada we want to build for tomorrow. The Government of Canada recognizes that we need a solid partnership with all orders of government to support infrastructure and create good, well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today. We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with the Northwest Territories, which will make close to \\$69 million in funding available so that Northwest Territories communities can address their specific infrastructure priorities."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi,
Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Investing in community public infrastructure supports local governments to manage their needs, increase the capacity and lifespan of local assets, and ensure that services to residents are enhanced. These strategic investments create economic opportunities for our residents and businesses that have a significant impact towards the overall management of the water, and wastewater systems of the Northwest Territories."

Robert C. McLeod,
Minister Responsible for Infrastructure

Quick Facts

  • This funding is part of the first phase of Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's historic \\$120-billion plan to support public infrastructure across the country over the next 10 years.
  • Phase 1 of Investing in Canada provides \\$11.9 billion in investments to support public transit systems, green infrastructure projects, and social infrastructure projects. Details on Phase 2 of Investing in Canada will be announced over the next months.
  • This marks the eleventh agreement the Government of Canada has signed with provincial and territorial partners in the last two months. As of today, over \\$5.2 billion are flowing to provinces and territories who have signed onto agreements for the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund.
  • Under this agreement, the Government of Canada has made its funding retroactive to April 1, 2016, so projects can proceed without delay to ensure a productive construction season.