g) Purchase and introduction of ice-penetrating
radar to estimate ice thickness.
The department purchased four ground penetrating radar units at an average cost of $35,000 each, including initial training.
h) Increased highway maintenance shift costs.
Based on a forced growth submission from 2006-2007, the increased highway maintenance shift costs are $852,000. Adapting to climate change was one of many factors for reorganizing.
i) The climate change assessment study being
prepared with the transportation system.
The Highway No. 3 Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment by BGC Engineering Inc. cost $110,000.
j) Construction of test strips on Highway No. 3
between Yellowknife and Behchoko.
The four test sections on Highway No. 3 between Yellowknife and Behchoko to be constructed this summer are estimated to cost $1.5 million.
k) Development of a protocol for assessing the
vulnerability of airports.
The development of the protocol for assessing the vulnerability of airports to permafrost degradation as a result of climate change cost $6,500.
l) Preparation of a Climate Change Adaptation
Plan.
The provision of the Department of Transportation Climate Change Adaptation Plan is estimated at a cost of $230,000.
m)
Organization and delivery of winter road adaptation workshops.
The organization and facilitation of a winter road adaptation workshop is estimated at a cost of $50,000. The workshop will bring together practitioners, scientists and engineers to assess the vulnerability of Northwest Territories winter roads to climate change and determine the most cost-effective means of adaptation.
n) Participation in the National Transportation
Canada information networks on climate change adaptation.
The Department of Transportation expends approximately $10,000 annually for staff to attend four network meetings of which two are held in the North.
o) Development of a Best Practices Guide for
Construction, Maintenance and Operation of Winter Roads.
The total cost of the Best Practices Guide for Construction, Maintenance and Operation of Winter Roads was $144,000, of which the Department of Transportation contributed $10,000. Other provincial/territorial jurisdictions contributed the balance of the cost.
p) Development of a Best Practices Guide for the
Construction of Transportation Infrastructure on Permafrost.
The total cost of the Best Practices Guide for the Construction of Transportation Infrastructure on Permafrost was $130,000, of which the Department of Transportation contributed $30,000. Other provincial/territorial jurisdictions contributed the balance of the cost.