The Town of Inuvik has received infrastructure funding from the NWT government to advance its boat launch project.
Mayor Peter Clarkson told Cabin Radio the town secured $165,000 through the Department of Infrastructure’s Community Access Program, which supports infrastructure projects that help residents access roads, trails, docks and wharves. Inuvik had originally applied for $500,000.
The town is contributing an additional $100,000 to support the boat launch project.
“We’re trying to get some stuff done this year, then next year we will apply for more funding and get the rest of the boat launch finished,” Clarkson said.
Discussions around improvements to the boat launch began last December.
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“We needed to fix up the boat launch so it was safe,” Clarkson said. “Also, with climate change we were seeing the water levels were dropping significantly and it was difficult to launch boats safely.”
He said plans include replacing the existing docks – now close to 25 years old – and working with engineers to design upgrades based on water depth and site conditions.
Clarkson added that the town has begun work to level the boat launch. Last week, crews removed eight truckloads of metal, rubber tires, and other debris from beneath the boat launch, he said, then refilled the area with gravel to create a more stable surface.
Vehicles can now back in more easily, Clarkson said, making it possible to launch two to three boats at a time instead of just one.
He said as many as 100 people use the boat launch on busy days and the changes have significantly reduced wait times.
