News Releases
Stimulus Funds Support Infrastructure Upgrades in Kakisa and Enterprise (En Français)
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (January 18, 2010) — The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s Minister of Health and Regional Minister for the North, the Honourable Dennis Patterson, Senator for Nunavut, the Honourable Michael McLeod, Northwest Territories, Lead Minister Responsible for Infrastructure, and the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Northwest Territories’ Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), together with Chief Lloyd Chicot, Community of Kakisa, and His Worship Allan Flamand, Mayor of the Hamlet of Enterprise, today announced $250,000 in joint funding for local road development in Kakisa, and $250,000 in joint funding for construction and retrofits to the fire hall in Enterprise.
“Our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has delivered an Economic Action Plan, that is stimulating our economy, creating jobs and supporting Canadian Families,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “I am proud of the commitments our government is making to fulfill our Northern Strategy.”
“Our government is investing in infrastructure that will improve rural roads in areas like Kakisa and strengthen local buildings like the fire hall in Enterprise,” said Senator Patterson. “These initiatives will have invaluable economic and social benefits for all who live and work in the Northwest Territories.”
“The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to supporting infrastructure projects like these which will improve municipal infrastructure, and create jobs,” said Minister Michael McLeod. “I look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Canada and NWT communities to help address the significant infrastructure deficit that exists in the NWT.”
“Through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Government of the Northwest Territories is able to further support community governments in addressing their local infrastructure priorities,” said Minister Robert C. McLeod. “This funding helps community governments develop sustainable, vibrant, safe communities, which is a key priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories.”
Chief Chicot added, “The community of Ka’a’gee Tu is very pleased to receive funding from the Government of Canada for more road development in Kakisa Lake; we look forward to opening up more residential lots for development.”
Mayor Flamand added, “I wish to express, on behalf of the community, our sincere gratitude for this stimulus package, which will be used to renovate our old Fire Hall. It will make a big difference in our community by creating employment for a number of our citizens, and is a basic need to keep our community citizens safe.”
The $250,000 local road project will support the growing community of Kakisa by expanding residential areas in the region. The project will include brush cutting, the purchase of gravel for roads and pads, as well as important drainage work.
Retrofits and construction work of up to $250,000 to the fire hall in Enterprise will improve emergency responsiveness and increase public safety in the community. The project includes the repair or replacement of the fire siren, auto dialer system and the fire alarm system, as well as the removal of the overhead oil-fired furnaces and replacement with a boiler system. Renovations include a new office, new hose storage, paint, general electrical work, and a new transfer pump.
The Government of Canada is contributing $125,000 to each project under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, with a matching contribution from the communities of Kakisa and Enterprise, respectively.
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government established the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund that provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure projects. Funding is being provided for projects that will reach completion by March 31, 2011.
Canada and the Northwest Territories are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making 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.
-30-
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