The federal government has given the green light to funding for the enhancement of underground water and sewer systems in BehchokÇ«Ì, N.W.T., as confirmed by local authorities. The approved funds are designated for Rae, while a separate request for similar upgrades in Edzo is currently awaiting approval.
BehchokÇ«Ì residents have long been expecting this funding, as numerous households have faced water supply disruptions during past winters due to frozen pipes. Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe expressed the significant impact of the federal funding on the community, citing the pressing water issues faced in both Rae and Edzo.
The community is set to push for the approval of funds for Edzo, with the project already designed and poised for immediate implementation. This endeavor is anticipated to be substantial, given that around 95% of Edzo’s homes are linked to the main water system, necessitating a more extensive resource allocation.
Despite not disclosing the exact funding amount until a formal agreement is finalized, Pushp Seth, Behchokǫ̒s senior administrative officer, anticipates the signing to occur within the next few weeks. The community had applied for these funds two years ago and has persistently followed up with the territorial government, even after an initial denial.
Additionally, federal funding has been approved for a water intake study and upgrades in Rae. The community is currently assessing the viability of repairing the existing water intake or opting for a replacement. This funding stems from the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), established in 2024 to bolster water and waste infrastructure, with the Northwest Territories allocated $74.2 million over a decade.
To access CHIF funding, territorial municipalities must commit to climate-related initiatives, such as enhancing resilience to wildfires and permafrost thaw. The next steps for BehchokÇ«Ì include analyzing funding requirements, finalizing designs, and issuing requests for proposals, with construction expected to commence next year and potentially lasting one to two years, depending on the project scope.