Hay River harbour dredging could start next year, says N.W.T. transportation minister

Long-awaited dredging of the harbour atHay River, N.W.T.,could begin in 2017.

Members of the community have spent years urging the territorial government to take action on dredging, claiming the build-up of debris in the harbour not only disruptstransport and fishing but also posesa flood risk during spring breakup.

However, progress has been held up by uncertainty between territorial and federal agencies over responsibility for the work and available resources.

Now, following meetings with federal officials and private companies in April, transportation minister Wally Schumann says dredging could start "some time next year."A long-term strategy for the harbour is set to be drawn up this fall.

"The immediate goal of this strategy will be to address the challenges posed by the buildup of sediment restricting access in the harbour," said Schumann in a statement read to the legislature on Thursday.

"Further steps would include developing a sustainable maintenance plan as part of the restoration strategy, to ensure the harbour's full and unimpeded operational capacity in the future."

Hay River is a hub for cargo travelling north viathe Mackenzie River, and is also the centre of Great Slave Lake's fishery industry.

Earlier this year, Hay River mayor Brad Mapes suggested a lack of dredging was one reason for the plight of struggling territorial barge firm NTCL. Debris and built-up sediment can delay or cancel shipments or force barges to run with lighter loads.

In February, a federal report noted that "instead of operating with water drafts of metres, operators on the Hay River are dealing with centimetres."

Schumann suggestedwork could begin in 2017 butsaid funding for dredging is still to be agreed on.

"Identifying funding sources for the dredging plan remains an important project component," he said.

"Funding for dredging activities is a federal responsibility and there have been positive indications from Canada that resources may become available."