Backgrounder - Seven Recreation and Infrastructure Projects for the Northwest Territories

Seven projects funded by CanNor in the Northwest Territories will provide much-needed upgrades to local recreational facilities. The funds will be used to improve building security and safety; upgrade pool and rink facilities; repair building exteriors; improve mechanical, electrical and air handling systems; install playground and fitness equipment; and develop an outdoor interpretive nature trail. Total federal investment in these projects amounts to $550,000.

1. Deline – Grey Goose Trail – Phase 2 ($34,668)
   
   This project will build on traditional trails to link areas previously inaccessible. Interpretive signs along the trail will include traditional knowledge, as well as cultural and historic facts of the Sahtu Region. Linking points of interest such as Grey Goose Lake with a nearby historic site, lodge, ski hill, dock and picnic areas will provide a fitness and interpretive trail for the community of Deline and visitors.
   
   
2. Yellowknife – Ruth Inch Pool Security and Siding ($36,000)
   
   Designed as an open concept building, the Ruth Inch Pool has no interior doors or walls. Although this design gives the public ease of access, it is also creates security issues. Installing electronic doors, walls and emergency doors will ensure staff and patrons can use the pool safely. Repairs are also being done to the exterior building façade and will prevent permanent moisture damage.
   
   
3. Behchoko – Edzo Recreation Centre Upgrades ($52,525)
   
   Upgrades to the Edzo Recreation Centre will include a new pool liner, new shower stalls and other building improvements that will allow the pool to reopen. New safety fencing around the ball diamond and basketball court create a safer environment for the public and patrons.
   
   
4. Fort Providence – Fort Providence School Community Wellness Initiative ($52,500)
   
   The Fort Providence School provides recreation facilities for the entire community. Permanent playground equipment will be installed and part of the school will be rewired and upgraded to create an all-ages fitness area that will house 15 pieces of exercise equipment (for which the school has separately fund-raised).
   
   
5. Fort Smith – Recreation and Community Centre Air Handling Assessment and Upgrades ($80,050)
   
   Inadequate ventilation systems in Fort Smith's Recreation and Community Centre have resulted in seasonal restrictions to facility use, with fitness areas too hot for use in mid-summer and pool use limited in winter. The air-handling systems will be assessed, and heating and cooling upgrades will allow increased use of the facilities year-round.
   
   
6. Fort Liard – Fort Liard Recreation Complex Energy Renovations ($94,119)
   
   The Fort Liard Recreation Complex includes an arena, community hall and seasonal pool. This project would share the cost of renovations to the building heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and electrical renovations. This work would complement a project being funded by the territorial government to install a solar hot water heating system for the swimming pool within the complex. The use of more energy-efficient systems and renewable energy technology is expected to reduce operating costs and extend the pool season.
   
   
7. Aklavik – Sittichinli Recreation Complex Arena Boards and Flooring ($200,138)
   
   The well-used Sittichinli Arena in Aklavik is 24 years old and its aging rink requires upgrades if it is to remain open. A new hockey boards system will be installed as well as new surface flooring made from recycled tires. The new rubber flooring will allow youth recreation programs and services to be offered year-round.

Recreation and Infrastructure Canada Program

Funding for these projects will be provided through the Recreation and Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program. RInC is a national program that shares the cost of repairing, upgrading or expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities. RInC provides economic stimulus of $500 million nationally until March 31, 2011. Program funding of $1.7 million was allocated across the three territories for RInC projects.

RInC is administered by CanNor, the newly established agency responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy. This announcement reinforces the Government of Canada's work to advance an integrated Northern Strategy to exercise Canada's Arctic sovereignty, protect the North's environmental heritage, promote social and economic development and improve and devolve northern governance.