United Way NWT says it is giving $850,000 to Hay River for “the restoration and redevelopment of agricultural lands” after 2022’s flood and 2023’s wildfires.
Announcing the funding in a Wednesday press release, the charity said the money will help “re-establish Hay River as the agriculture hub of the North, ensuring that local farmers and the broader community can thrive long into the future.”
Agricultural areas south of the community were devastated by flooding in 2022 and again by wildfires a little over a year later.
United Way NWT said the money comes from its federally backed wildfire recovery and emergency preparedness program.
While exact actions to be taken were not specified, the project will “focus on rebuilding vital farming infrastructure.”
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Mayor of Hay River Kandis Jameson said the town was thankful for the support.
“The grant to support renewing the agriculture sector will have a lasting positive impact on farmers and the region,” Jameson was quoted as saying.
“We believe that restoring the critical farmland will lay the groundwork for future growth and create benefits that extend across the North,” said Paul Gillard, United Way NWT chair.
