News Releases
Stimulus Funding Supports Inuvik Road Upgrades (En Français)
Inuvik, Northwest Territories (February 10, 2010) — The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Regional Minister for the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the Honourable Michael McLeod, Northwest Territories, Lead Minister Responsible for Infrastructure, and His Worship Denny Rodgers, Mayor of Inuvik, today announced $2.8 million in joint funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund for local road development in Inuvik. Funding will support the paving of local roads and further the town’s goal of paving most of the community’s roads between now and March 31, 2011.
“Our government has created an Economic Action Plan that is stimulating our economy and creating jobs to support Canadian families,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “We are working well with our provincial, territorial and municipal colleagues to tender contracts in time for the next construction season. At the same time, we are planning for deficit reduction once the economy has recovered, and we are building a strong foundation for job creation and economic growth.”
“The NWT continues to have a significant infrastructure deficit,” said Minister Michael McLeod. “With the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, we are able to respond to the basic infrastructure needs of our residents.”
“Today as we celebrate this opportunity for the Town of Inuvik, I would first and foremost like to acknowledge the fiscal support of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as the Territorial Ministers who negotiated on our behalf, the Honourable Michael McLeod, Minister of Infrastructure, and the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs,” said His Worship Denny Rodgers, Mayor of Inuvik. “The ongoing support of both the Federal and Territorial Governments is critical to the success of Inuvik’s economy as we navigate these uncertain economic times.”
The total cost of the paving project is $2.8 million, which will be used to resurface existing roads throughout Inuvik. Paving will allow for a reduction in gravel maintenance and sweeping, making the town cleaner and quieter for all residents. The Government of Canada is contributing $349,500 to the project under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, while the town is contributing more than $2.45 million towards the project. Federal stimulus funding will allow the town to accelerate its efforts to complete a 500-metre area of the paving program. Construction is expected to begin June 2010.
Federal financial support comes from the $4-billion, Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which provides funding to provincial, territorial, municipal and community construction-ready infrastructure projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011.
Canada and the Northwest Territories are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, whilemaking significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently so that construction can begin as soon as possible.
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For more information, please visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Matthews
Communications Officer
Office of the Press Secretary
GNWT Premier & Executive Council
(867) 669-2302
James Kusie
Director of Issues Management
Office of the Honourable John Baird
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Sara Brown
Senior Administrative Officer
Town of Inuvik
(867) 777-8608