Canada helps protect Inuvik Mike Zubko Airport from impacts of climate change

INUVIK, NT, June 28, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Now more than ever, communities need help adapting to the frequent and intensifying weather events caused by climate change. Reducing the impact of natural disasters such as flooding and wildfires is critical to keeping Canadian families safe, protecting local businesses and supporting a strong economy.

Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Alfred Moses, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Wally Schumann, Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, announced funding towards disaster mitigation at the Inuvik Mike Zubko Airport.  

The project consists of widening the runway and taxiway embankments. These upgrades will protect the permafrost below the airport grounds. Surface repairs and drainage improvements will also help direct water away from vulnerable areas. This project is expected to reduce the rate and extent of ground settlements throughout the airfield.

This project will increase the reliability of air transportation for approximately 7,000 people in the Beaufort Delta Region, including improving access to life-saving healthcare through medevac services. The airport improvements will also grow the regional economy by enabling the reliable transportation of goods and services, including mail and freight.

The Government of Canada is investing $16.5 million in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund with the Government of Northwest Territories contributing the remaining $5.5 million.

Quotes

"Northern communities need support to adapt to climate change. This important work will help safeguard the Inuvik Airport to ensure more dependable transportation for residents and travellers for decades to come."

Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Extreme weather is becoming more severe, more frequent, more damaging and more expensive because of climate change. By investing in the infrastructure that protects our neighbourhoods, businesses, and families, we are building communities that can withstand future natural disasters and thrive for generations to come."

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety

"The Inuvik Mike Zubko Airport is vital infrastructure for the Beaufort-Delta region. Together with the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories continues to invest in Inuvik and the Beaufort Delta to ensure residents have modern and reliable transportation options that connect them to family, friends and economic opportunities inside and outside our territory."

The Honourable Alfred Moses, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Wally Schumann, Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

Quick facts

• The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) is a $2-billion, 10-year program to help communities build the infrastructure they need to better withstand natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, permafrost degradation, earthquakes and droughts.
• DMAF is part of the federal government's Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, which is providing more than $180 billion over 12 years for public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities.
• Investing in green infrastructure that helps communities cope with the intensifying effects of climate change is an integral part of Canada's transition to a more resilient, low-carbon economy, which is among the commitments made under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
• On June 27, 2019, the Government of Canada launched two new strategies: Canada's Connectivity Strategy, which commits to connect all Canadians to high-speed internet, and Canada's first Rural Economic Development Strategy, which will spur economic growth and create good, middle class jobs for rural Canadians across the country.
• The Rural Economic Development Strategy leverages ongoing federal investments and provides a vision for the future, identifying practical steps to take in the short term, and serving as a foundation to guide further work.
• Central to Canada's Connectivity Strategy are historic new investments that are mobilizing up to $6 billion toward universal connectivity. They include a top-up to the Connect to Innovate Program, a new Universal Broadband Fund, and investments from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Associated links

Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/dmaf-faac/index-eng.html

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

Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Northwest Territories: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca//investments-2002-investissements/nt-eng.html

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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada