Airfield improvements and repairs

Airfield improvements and repairs will increase the resiliency of the airport to the effects of climate change and help protect the permafrost below the airport. The runway and taxiway embankments will be widened and surface repairs and drainage improvements will help direct water away from vulnerable areas.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is investing $16.5 million in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), and the Government of the Northwest Territories is providing $5.5 million.
• DMAF is a $2-billion, 10-year program to help communities build the infrastructure they need to better withstand natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, permafrost degradation, earthquakes and droughts.

Current Status

• Construction of the DMAF scope of work is nearly complete. Any remaining work will be completed during the runway extension paving and electrical work. 

Runway extension

The runway at the Inuvik Airport will be extended to support the Department of National Defence’s Forward Operating Location.

Quick Facts

• The project scope includes extending the runway by 3,000 feet to a total length of 9,000 feet, and modernizing the lighting, navigational and military aircraft landing system.

• This project is funded by the Department of National Defence with up to $230 million.
• This investment will allow the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Forward Operating Location to support a greater variety of military aircrafts for RCAF and NORAD operations.
• This project is expected to create economic opportunities for the region throughout construction.

Current Status

• Embankment construction is complete. Once the new embankment and underlying permafrost have stabilized, the extension will be paved, the electrical, instrumentation and lighting upgrades will be completed over two summers.