The federal government announced it would invest $204,400 over two years in two NWT communities for energy-efficiency retrofits in homes – and first up is Jean Marie River.
"We're pleased that we've had the opportunity to partner with the Jean Marie River First Nation on this project," says Craig Thomas, interim executive director of Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA), which is leading this project.
AEA is also investing cash and in-kind contributions, as is the community, bringing the total project value up to $420,500.
"It's great to see a community so dedicated to helping its residents save money on energy bills and make their homes warmer and more comfortable to live in, all while reducing their greenhouse gas emissions," Thomas stated in a press release.
The project lead at AEA was out of town and unavailable for comment, according to AEA communications coordinator Kevin Cull.
While he couldn't confirm that the same activities would be taking place, Cull pointed towards some work on this front that AEA and Jean Marie River have already partnered on.
Last July, AEA's home energy efficiency crew – Tom Gross, Linda Todd, Michael Goodwin and Teresa Chilkowich – to consult with homeowners participating in an energy efficiency project.
Home energy audits and maintenance checks had been completed in May and June.
These investments are being made by the federal government in an effort to try and shift Northern communities away from diesel to, eventually, transition to low-carbon energy.
The second community in this project has not yet been named, but will be chosen by next year, according to the press release sent out by the federal government.