September 1, 2020

If you have visited or driven by North Arm Park this summer, you’ll know that work is underway to enhance the popular and picturesque picnic and rest area.

More day use area has been added; doubling the picnic sites available to the public with new fire pits and picnic tables. The aging outhouse facilities have been replaced and a new road has been constructed to allow vehicles to more-easily exit the park.

Work and planning for this latest parks improvement initiative began in January 2018, when ITI held a public open house in Behchokǫ̀ and launched an online questionnaire to talk to people about how they used the local park area and the improvements they would like to see.

Follow up meetings were held in 2019 and work began that following fall.  

In time, improvements to the North Arm Park will include the addition of a 15-site campground to accommodate local families and the travelling public plus a gatehouse/contractor residence.  A new playground and kitchen shelter that can be rented for gatherings are also on the way. 

The North Arm Territorial Park is located on NWT Highway 3 at kilometre 232.5 close to Edzo and Behchokǫ̀. The park boundaries cover an area of land that is adjacent to the proposed Dinaga Wekehodi protected area. An archaeological assessment was done to confirm the proposed development will not disturb areas of cultural and historical significance.

ITI’s long-term vision for park improvements includes a trail system with various lookout points to enjoy the area’s spectacular scenery without disturbing its natural beauty.