Environment
Over $1 million going towards Mackenzie River restoration projects
Six different projects are being given funding from the Canadian Water Agency to help protect the health of the Mackenzie River
More than one million dollars is being provided to six different projects in the NWT, all with the goal of improving the health of the Mackenzie River.
Connecting to the Slave, Peace, and Finlay Rivers, the Mackenzie is part of the longest river system in Canada, and hold deep environmental and cultural significance to many Indigenous communities. It also has a great economic impact, as the river is used for agriculture, forestry, and hydroelectricity.
On Thursday, February 12th, an announcement was made by Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency, that six different projects would be receiving funding from the CWA to help protect the river.
Aurora College will be receiving $198,950 over the next two years for a system that will help expand understanding of how lakes respond to changes in the climate. This project will be based in Inuvik, Fort McPherson, Yellowknife and Behchoko, and will focus on lakes that experience permafrost.
$196,326 will also be going to the Gwich’in Renewable Resource Board for a two-year study on the health of freshwater ecosystems in the NWT, and how different aspects of aquatic life are affected by changes in water quality. These findings can then be used to examine how changes to freshwater ecosystems can have an effect on traditional food sources for Gwich’in and Dene communities.
Minister Dabrusin explained that “Protecting the Mackenzie River is about more than just safeguarding our environment—it’s about supporting the health, food security, and cultural traditions of northern and Indigenous communities. By investing in these freshwater projects, we’re empowering local action to restore and protect this vital ecosystem, while strengthening the economy and building resilience to climate change for generations to come.”
This investment is part of the Government of Canada’s $650 million commitment over 10 years in the Freshwater Action Plan to protect and restore critical freshwater resources.
