Nunavut residents to benefit from improved green energy and wastewater infrastructure

IQALUIT, May 21, 2019 /CNW/ - Investing in local green infrastructure projects that support energy security and wastewater management helps grow the economy and improve the quality of life for those living and working in the North.

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development and the Honourable David Akeeagok, Deputy Premier of Nunavut, announced funding for four infrastructure projects in Nunavut.  

The first two projects will see the replacement of seven diesel power generators in six communities: Rankin Inlet, Coral Harbour, Chesterfield Inlet, Pond Inlet, Clyde River and Whale Cove. These projects will improve energy efficiency and reliability while increasing the overall energy production capacity.

The third project consists of building a renewable solar energy and storage system that will be connected to the power plant in Kugluktuk. This project, the first hybrid solar/diesel power plant managed by the Qulliq Energy Corporation in Nunavut, will be used to demonstrate the viability and performance of this hybrid technology in an Arctic climate. It will also provide an alternative source of energy for the community, which currently relies on diesel-powered generators.     

The fourth project will rehabilitate the sewage lagoon in Kugaaruk in order to increase the existing capacity to treat and manage wastewater. The project includes the construction of a temporary wastewater management system that will be used to remove content from the current lagoon to ensure proper cleaning and preparation for full construction. As a result, residents will have more reliable wastewater treatment services.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $18.6 million in three green energy projects through the Arctic Energy Fund and in one project under the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government Nunavut is contributing over $1.6 million for the wastewater project while Qulliq Energy Corporation is contributing more than $7.6 million in the energy projects.

Quotes

"Modern public infrastructure is key to supporting the unique needs of northern communities. Investing in green energy and wastewater projects in Nunavut communities provides residents with more reliable services, protects the environment and supports local economic growth. These investments go hand in hand with improving job opportunities, family income and the quality of life for those living and working in the North."

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development

"Nunavut welcomes this important federal funding to help fill critical gaps in our territory's infrastructure. Investments in the community energy and wastewater treatment projects announced today will help make Nunavut a cleaner and safer place to live and work. The Government of Nunavut looks forward to working with our federal partners to implement these important projects that will certainly contribute to the overall well-being of Nunavummiut."

The Honourable David Akeeagok, Deputy Premier of Nunavut

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity. In addition, $400 million is being delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to advance energy security in the territories.
• $4 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.

• Budget 2019, Investing in the Middle Class, is the government's plan to create more good well-paying jobs, put homeownership within reach of more Canadians, help working people get the training they need to succeed, support seniors, and lay the foundation for national pharmacare.
• Announcements in Budget 2019 build on the Government's Investing in Canada plan.
• With many municipalities across Canada facing serious infrastructure deficits, Budget 2019 proposes a one-time transfer of $2.2 billion through the federal Gas Tax Fund to address short-term priorities in municipalities and First Nations communities.

Related product

Backgrounder ? Nunavut residents to benefit from improved green energy and wastewater infrastructure

Joint federal and territorial funding through the Arctic Energy Fund (AEF), and the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) ? Wastewater of the Investing in Canada plan will support infrastructure projects in various communities across Nunavut.

The Government of Canada is investing over $18.6 million total towards these four projects. The Government of Nunavut is contributing over $1.6 million for a wastewater project. Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) is providing more than $7.2 million for three green energy projects.

Project Information ? Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) ? Wastewater:

Project Information ? Arctic Energy Fund (AEF):

Associated links

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in Nunavut: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/nu-eng.html 

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Budget 2019: https://www.budget.gc.ca/2019/home-accueil-en.html

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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada