Five Infrastructure Projects in Nunavut Get Joint Government Funding

IQALUIT, NUNAVUT--(Marketwired - Feb. 29, 2016) -

The Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and MP for Nunavut, was in Iqaluit today to announce funding for five projects for Nunavut municipalities under the Government of Canada's Small Communities Fund. Minister Tootoo was accompanied by Nunavut's Premier Peter Taptuna and Joe Savikataaq, Minister of Community and Government Services.

The projects involve key community infrastructure in the territory, including a cultural centre in Cape Dorset, repairs for the Cambridge Bay Arena and the Iqaluit Aquatic Centre. They also include an array of civic arena repairs and upgrades, as well as the replacement of outdated equipment at various playgrounds in the region. Once completed, these projects will contribute to stronger, more inclusive and sustainable communities in the North.

Through the Small Communities Fund, the governments of Canada and Nunavut are working in partnership to provide funding for priority public infrastructure projects that deliver on local needs in communities across the territory.

The Government of Canada will provide up to $25,363,862 of the total eligible cost of $49,919,318 for these five projects. The Government of Nunavut will also contribute $6,540,600. Both the Hamlet of Cape Dorset and City of Iqaluit are contributing an approximate total of $18,100,918 towards their own infrastructure projects. The Small Communities Fund allocation for Nunavut is $25,363,862.

Quotes

"I am proud to announce funding for these projects on behalf of my colleague Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. Our government is making a difference by investing in our communities, in our youth, our culture and our economy. We are also collaborating with the Territorial government and communities throughout Nunavut."

The Honourable Hunter Tootoo,

Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and MP for Nunavut

"Upgrading community infrastructure is a priority of the Government of Nunavut. We continue to work with Canada to see that investments are made to benefit all of Nunavut. Today's contributions will have long-term benefits for communities as they use these spaces for activities that often move beyond the daily operations of a facility."

The Honourable Peter Taptuna,

Premier of Nunavut

"It is very encouraging to see support for infrastructure projects that improve our access to cultural and recreational facilities. These projects will add positive value to community wellness throughout the territory for many years to come."

The Honourable Joe Savikataaq,

Minister of Community and Government Services, Nunavut

Associated Links

See the backgrounder for the complete list of projects approved for funding.

To learn more about the Small Communities Fund, please visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html.

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada

Backgrounder

The governments of Canada and Nunavut are announcing funding for five infrastructure projects in communities in the territory under the New Building Canada Plan's Small Communities Fund. The Government of Canada is committing a total of $25,363,863 for the five projects, which have a total eligible cost of $49,919,318.

The Small Communities Fund provides support for priority public infrastructure projects that deliver on local needs in communities across Canada that have fewer than 100,000 residents. So far, 82 percent of the projects approved under this Fund are in communities with a population of less than 25,000.

The projects announced today are as follows:

*Total estimated project cost.

For more information on the Small Communities Fund, please visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html.