Inuvik Airport Protected from Climate Change
Inuvik, NT – Now more than ever, Northern 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. Recently Michael McLeod, MP for the NWT and Alfred Moses, territorial Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, 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.
“Northern communities need support to adapt to climate change,” says McLeod. “This important work will help safeguard the Inuvik Airport to ensure more dependable transportation for residents and travellers for decades to come.”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, fresh healthy food and other freight.The Government of Canada is investing $16.5 million in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund with the GNWT contributing the remaining $5.5 million. ABQ
