July 15, 2009

The Canada-Northwest Territories Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) focuses on water and waste water projects. Priority is given to infrastructure projects that use innovative technologies and reduce greenhouse gases. Projects are selected for funding by a joint federal-territorial Management Committee.

Through MRIF, the Government of Canada has provided $19,203,000 in federal funding for rural and municipal infrastructure projects in the NWT. Combined with the territorial government's contributions, the fund's total value is $38,406,000. In addition, projects located in the six tax-based communities of the Northwest Territories (Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, Inuvik, Norman Wells and Yellowknife) contribute a minimum of one-third of project costs.

Project Summaries:

1. Village of Fort Simpson Four Bay Garage Energy Efficiency Retrofit:

An energy efficient retrofit of the maintenance garage will reduce power and heating bills. This includes a retrofit of the roof to make it energy efficient; replacement of garage bay doors with insulated powered doors; replacement of windows and main doors with energy efficient models; and spraying the exterior of building with insulating foam. The interior will have added nsulation and weather stripping. Installation of exterior roof fans will allow for proper air and heat circulation.

Government of Canada's contribution - $97,319; Village of Fort Simpson contribution - $162,232.

2. City of Yellowknife Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP) Replacement - Phase 2

The Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP) sanitary sewers were first installed in Yellowknife in the 1940's and continued to be installed until 1977. CMP was chosen at the time due to its ability to withstand permafrost deformation or freeze thaw ground movements, its low cost, and its ability to withstand the necessary freighting from Edmonton to Yellowknife. Infrastructure replacement programs have revealed that the CMP used in the 1940's is badly corroded, leading to collapses that can cause sewage to back-up into homes or leaks into the surrounding environment.

Cast iron water mains were installed at the same time as the CMP sanitary sewers. The cast iron water mains are uninsulated and as a result, substantial thaw settlement occurred in areas with permafrost. The water mains currently installed are not large enough to meet fire protection requirements.

The scope of the project includes:

1. Replacement of the existing CMP sewer mains with ductile iron pipe;
2. Concrete sewer manholes;
3. Replacement of existing cast iron water mains with appropriately-sized insulated ductile iron pipe;
4. Replacement of single heat-traced copper service lines with a dual, insulated copper recirculating system;
5. Replacement of in-line hydrants and valves with hydrants and valves located in insulated, poured-in-place concrete vaults with manhole access;
6. Road stabilization and reconstruction with crushed rock backfill.; and
7. Completion of the project with concrete sidewalks and a paved roadway.

Government of Canada's contribution - $544,992; City of Yellowknife contribution - $1,155,008.

3. Town of Inuvik Woodbox Utilidor Replacement Program - Phase 2 - Tuma Drive

All of Inuvik's remaining wood box utilidors were built during the Town's rapid growth in the 1970's. Wood box utilidors typically have a useful service life of 20 years. In Inuvik, the age range is now 26 to 32 years. The factors that limit the useful service life of wood box utilidors are groundline decay of piles followed by decay of wood box shell and structural components. Inuvik's remaining wood box utilidors are all in quite poor condition at this time.

Utilidor technology has advanced significantly since the 1970's. The pipes are better insulated, raising energy efficiency and reducing the amount of heat that must be applied to the system through tempering stations or through waste heat recovery. The 2009/2010 Phase 3 includes replacing the segment of Tuma Drive.

Government of Canada's contribution - $196,557; Town of Inuvik contribution - $1,203,442.

4. Town of Inuvik Advanced Meter Reading - Phase 2

Phase 1 acquisition of the advanced meter readers has proven to save significant time and money. Phase 2 will include acquisition of the final 100 meters, and a diagnostic tool to assist in placing non-operational meters into service and providing on-going diagnostic review of problematic meters. Having this diagnostic tool in Inuvik, and staff experienced in its use, will allow for remote diagnosis for future repairs and avoid need to fly in technicians from Alberta.

Government of Canada's contribution - $10,500; GNWT contribution - $10, 500; Town of Inuvik contribution - $10,500.

5. Town of Hay River Recreation Centre Heat Reclamation

In June 2008, a baseline study was conducted to estimate potential energy savings at the Don Stewart Recreation Centre. A heat reclamation system would use the existing ammonia refrigeration system as a heat pump (removing heat from the arena and curling ice sheet) and would be able to provide efficient low grade heating for dressing rooms and viewing areas, as well as space heating in arena and curling club, swimming pool and for city water preheat. There is sufficient low grade heat to meet the entire heating requirements of the Centre when the plant is running, but the quality of the heat may need to be augmented for specific applications like the Zamboni and domestic hot water. It is estimated that the heat reclamation project has the potential to reduce the Centre's energy by approximately 5,384 giga joules/year or $160,000/year.

Government of Canada's contribution - $100,466; GNWT contribution - $100,467. Town of Hay River contribution - $100,467.

6. City of Yellowknife Swimming Pool Heat Recovery System

The City proposes the installation of a replacement ventilation heat recovery system at the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool. The project will cost $300,000 and will save an estimated $67,000 per year, and have a 4.5 year payback period. The current pool ventilation system uses a 100% fresh air system which makes it prone to freeze-up; not efficient provision of heat; and no preheating of pool make-up water. A more efficient and effective ventilation heat recovery system and a water-cooled condensing unit will be utilized as a dehumidifier and heat pump. Heat extracted from the exhaust air will be used as preheat for make-up air as well as providing additional heating for the pool and shower water.

Government of Canada's contribution - $100,000; GNWT contribution - $100,000; City of Yellowknife Contribution - $100,000.

7. Town of Inuvik Midnight Sun Recreation Complex - Solar Air Conditioning

The Midnight Sun recreation complex is a multi-use complex that is a large consumer of both gas and power. The Town of Inuvik is in the middle of a multi-phased project aimed at reducing energy use at the facility and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

In 2008, the Town of Inuvik's power cost approached $1 million per year (0.537 $/kWh), and heating costs are now over $400,000 annually ($ 20.06 /GJ). By installing a solar air conditioner in the fitness centre and adjacent areas, the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex will avoid 37,735 kWh/yr in electricity use, 39 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, for savings of approximately $20,000.

Government of Canada's contribution - $43,000; GNWT contribution - $43,000; Town of Inuvik contribution - $44,000.

8. Town of Inuvik Midnight Sun Recreation Complex - Air Destratification Systems

As part of an energy efficiency upgrade, it was found that while the arena and pool have sophisticated air handling systems, many common areas (foyers, community hall, etc.) were excluded. By installing air destratification units, warm air will be moved down from the ceiling and distributed using vortex air circulation, reducing heating, cooling and power costs.

Government of Canada's contribution - $4,000; GNWT contribution - $4,000; Town of Inuvik contribution - $4,000.

9. Town of Inuvik Midnight Sun Recreation Complex - Building Envelop

This Phase includes the installation of Air Seal Membrane Insulation and waterproofing (roof) or rain screen cladding (walls) over existing panels. By sealing the leakage at the roof/wall junction, it is estimated that a 10 - 20% reduction in heat will be achieved, while avoiding 70 to 140 Mt annually of greenhouse gas emissions.

Government of Canada's contribution - $459,335; GNWT contribution - $390,664; Town of Inuvik contribution - $425,000.

10. Town of Norman Wells Underground Utilidor

The section of utilidor (above ground enclosed structure which contains the water and sewer line distribution system for a community) being upgraded provides service to approximately 50 households. If current deterioration is allowed to continue leaks will occur, leading to contamination and health problems. If action is not taken to rehabilitate the pipes now, this section will have to be replaced within 3 to 5 years at greater cost. Rehabilitation of these lines now will extend their life expectancy by another 15 to 20 years and raise the drinking water standards.

Government of Canada's contribution - $219,598 (through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund); Town of Norman Wells contribution - $750,000; Building Canada Fund contribution - $530,401.