Perhaps nothing is as important to NWT residents as managing and protecting our land. With that in mind, the department is proposing investments in a number of areas to help the government meet this strategic initiative.
The department proposes investing $800,000 in 2010-2011 into the Expansion of Residual Heat Initiative. This initiative is looking into using waste heat from electricity generators for space heating in our communities. A residual heating system will be completed in Fort Liard in 2010 and another system is scheduled to be completed in Inuvik in 2010-2011.
The department also proposes $500,000 in funding for the Sahtu Hydro Assessment. This regional hydroelectric assessment will examine all viable energy options for Sahtu communities and potential industrial customers.
Getting Sahtu communities off diesel power generation would not only decrease the cost of living in the region but also lower our greenhouse gas emissions.