The federal government has given the green light for funding to enhance underground water and sewer infrastructure in BehchokÇ«Ì, N.W.T., as confirmed by local authorities. The approved funds are earmarked for Rae, while a separate request for similar upgrades in Edzo is still awaiting approval.
Residents have long awaited this funding, as numerous households have faced water supply disruptions during past winters due to frozen pipes. BehchokÇ«Ì Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe emphasized the significant impact of the federal funding, noting the challenges faced by the community with water issues, particularly during the harsh winter conditions.
Looking ahead, the community government remains committed to advocating for the Edzo funding, with Rabesca Zoe highlighting that the project in Edzo is ready for implementation, representing a substantial undertaking due to the high percentage of households connected to the main water system.
Pushp Seth, Behchokǫ̒s senior administrative officer, refrained from disclosing the exact funding amount pending the formal signing of the contribution agreement, expected in the coming weeks. The community applied for these funds two years ago, persistently following up with the territorial government, even after the initial denial of the application.
Besides the water and sewer upgrades, federal funding has also been allocated for a water intake study and improvements in Rae. Seth mentioned that the community is assessing the condition of Rae’s aging water intake system to determine if repairs suffice or if a replacement is necessary.
The funding originates from the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), established in 2024 to support water and solid waste infrastructure projects nationwide. In the Northwest Territories, a total of $74.2 million has been allocated over a decade under this fund to enhance housing supply.
To access funds from the CHIF, communities in the territories must commit to climate-related initiatives, such as resilience to wildfires and permafrost thaw. The next steps in BehchokÇ«Ì involve evaluating funding needs, finalizing designs, and issuing requests for proposals. Construction is anticipated to commence next year, with a timeline of one to two years depending on the project’s design complexity.