The federal government has given the green light for funding to enhance underground water and sewer systems in BehchokÇ«Ì, N.W.T., as confirmed by local authorities. The approved funds are specifically allocated for Rae, while a separate request for similar upgrades in Edzo is still awaiting approval.
Residents of BehchokÇ«Ì have long been awaiting this funding, as numerous households have faced water supply issues during past winters due to frozen pipes. Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe of BehchokÇ«Ì expressed the significant impact of the federal funding, particularly in light of recent water challenges.
Chief Rabesca Zoe mentioned that both Rae and Edzo communities have been grappling with frozen pipe issues, emphasizing the urgent need for upgrades. The community government is committed to advocating for the approval of funds for Edzo, which is crucial as nearly all households in Edzo are linked to the main water pipe system, necessitating more extensive resources for the project.
Behchokǫ̒s senior administrative officer, Pushp Seth, refrained from disclosing the exact amount of funding until a formal contribution agreement is finalized, expected within a couple of weeks. The community had applied for these funds two years ago and has continuously pursued support from the territorial government, even after an initial denial.
In addition to the water and sewer upgrades, the federal government has also sanctioned funds for a water intake study and potential upgrade in Rae. The funding stems from the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), established in 2024 to support water and waste infrastructure projects nationwide. The Northwest Territories are set to receive $74.2 million over a decade from the CHIF.
To access funds from the CHIF, communities in the territories must commit to certain climate-related initiatives, such as wildfire resilience and permafrost thaw readiness. Seth outlined the upcoming steps for BehchokÇ«Ì, which include analyzing funding requirements, finalizing designs, and issuing requests for proposals. Construction is anticipated to commence next year and may extend for one to two years based on the project design.