The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories has approved a capital plan that will provide over $790 million towards maintaining essential public infrastructure and projects in the NWT.
The plan, which includes over $420 million in federal funding contributions, is estimated to generate over $320 million in economic activity, support 1750 full-time jobs, and provide more than $200 million in labour income in the territory.
“Federal contributions help the NWT advance more projects, while the plan supports economic activity, jobs and income across the territory,” said Minister Caroline Wawzonek.
$403.5 million in funding will support work on the Dehk’e Frank Channel Bridge and the Mackenzie Valley Highway, while $80 million will go towards supporting the territory’s energy infrastructure.
$71.4 million will be available to communities to support their infrastructure, such as roads, transit, water and wastewater systems, and a further $80.8 million will support new housing units across the NWT as well as improvements to existing units.
“This plan advances practical work on major transportation and energy projects while supporting the community infrastructure residents depend on close to home,” said Minister Vince McKay.
The plan also outlines investments in an electronic medical records system for the territory, as well as upgrades to the 911 system. A 34-bed Hay River Long-Term Care Facility, improvements to Délı̨nę’s Wellness Centre, and community health and social services centres in Jean Marie River, Kakisa, and Tsiigehtchic are also included in the budget.
“The investments in this plan support work on long-term care and community health facilities, along with the health information systems needed to coordinate services across the territory,” said Minister Denny Rodgers.
The budget also includes investments in schools, airports, and information technology. The GNWT says they will work with their federal partners and Indigenous governments to help these projects move forward.
