News Releases
Clear Progress on the New Deal for NWT Community Governments
Yellowknife (February 16, 2005) - Detailed information on the recent funding announcements in the Government of the Northwest Territories' Budget Address regarding the New Deal for NWT Community Governments was provided by the Honourable Michael McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) at a meeting with the board of directors of the Northwest Territories Association of Communities last week.
"I am very pleased about the positive funding announcements for NWT community governments in the Budget Address. This funding responds directly to community requests for greater local control and decision making powers," said Minister McLeod, "It also addresses the recommendations made in June 2003 by the Special Joint Committee on Non-tax Based Community Affairs."
In 2005-2006, through the newly established Property Taxation Revenue Grant Program, MACA will provide $350,000 in grants to non-tax-based communities. This reflects the approximate amount of property tax revenues collected from communities within the general taxation area and is an interim step towards designating hamlets and charter communities as municipal taxing authorities.
In addition, the 2005-2006 budget also includes $1 million for planning and design work to prepare for the increased community public infrastructure (CPI) investment which, effective 2006-2007, will be identified as a separate budget item. The CPI allocation will provide $22.5 million for non-tax-based communities and an additional $3 million for tax-based communities. This represents a significant increase from the status quo.
"In combination with other recent announcements regarding federal support for community infrastructure, this funding provides a secure and predictable source of revenue that communities can use to make capital project decisions based on community priorities." stated Minister McLeod.
Blake Lyons, President of the Northwest Territories Association of Communities, confirmed the Board's enthusiasm for the New Deal announcement and expressed interest in continuing to work collaboratively to implement it. "We are extremely pleased with the infusion of funding to address the serious infrastructure deficit in NWT communities. The NWTAC looks forward to working in partnership with MACA to determine funding allocations and project criteria," said Mr. Lyons.
For more information on the New Deal for NWT Community Governments, please select the following links:
New Deal for NWT Community Governments Poster
New Deal for NWT Community Governments Q & A
For more information, please contact:
Julia Mott
Coordinator, Cabinet Communications
Phone: (867) 669-2304