Overview
One-time funding is available for NWT businesses and communities in the Sahtu and Beaufort-Delta regions affected by the summer 2024 barge resupply cancellations.
Funding will aim to:
- safeguard access to essential goods and services;
- maintain economic stability in the affected regions; and,
- lessen unexpected economic effects of the sudden and severe interruption in the critical supply route.
Funding Available
The maximum funding amount available to any eligible entity is $30,000, with a total of $1,800,000 available.
Funding covers up to 50% of the cost difference between shipping by barge and the least expensive alternative shipping cost, for:
- Goods deemed essential - including:
- heating fuel
- food
- medical supplies
- construction materials; and/or
- Goods not deemed essential may still be considered if the applicant can demonstrate that their absence would result in job loss or significant service level impacts.
Deadline
Subject to funding availability, applications may be submitted up to March 7, 2025.
Eligibility
Applicants must be one of the following entities affected by the 2024 barge cancellations and located in the Sahtu and the Beaufort-Delta Regions
- NWT businesses; registered and in good standing with the GNWT Corporate Registries;
- non-profit organizations that make significant contribution to a community by providing a basic or essential service; this may include charitable organizations.
- community governments, and,
- the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, or Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated.
Applicants must:
- show significant reliance (more than 50% of annual shipments) on barge deliveries through historical documentation or cancelled invoices for the 2024 barge season;
- show why the shipment cannot wait to be transported by winter road, or show a significant difference between the cost barge and the cheapest alternative (air or winter road). Clear documentation such as invoices or quotes must be provided; and,
- show that without the support, the business is at risk of closure or significant reduction in operations. Proof may include but is not limited to:
- financial statements
- cashflow projections
NOTE: Copies of original invoices are required to verify any declared shipping cost increase.
How to Apply
It is recommended that you contact your regional ITI office to discuss your application before submission.
- Complete an application form and attach all required documents identified in the application checklist.
- Submit the completed application form to your regional office.
