Year End Message from Mayor Jameson
Dear Residents,
As we bid farewell to 2024, I am filled with gratitude and pride for what we have accomplished together this year. It has been a year of growth, progress, and community spirit, and I am excited to share some of the highlights of our journey.
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Achievements
- Infrastructure Improvements: The Town completed several major infrastructure projects, including road base and asphalt paving of Industrial Drive, underground and surface upgrades for Capital Drive, Riverview Drive, Caribou Crescent and Beaver Crescent. The Fraser Place housing subdevelopment was completed in preparation for housing lot sales. A preliminary design was completed for a new Water Treatment Plant to serve Hay River and the surrounding region. GNWT supported projects included the opening of the new Fish Processing Plant and dredging of the Hay River to enhance commercial waterways.
- Environmental Initiatives: This year, we completed a design for a district biomass heating system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs for core Town facilities. The Town’s first fully electric vehicle was introduced as a pilot project for the Protective Services Department. Phase 1 of the West Channel Berm enhancement was completed to protect the area from erosion and future flood events.
- Social and Recreational Health: Hay River was crowned by ParticipACTION as Canada’s Most Active Community and was awarded $100,000 to support a retrofit of a multiuse outdoor recreation space. The Healthy Communities Strategy was developed and approved to guide local health-related initiatives over the next decade. To build upon Hay River’s natural recreation assets, Town Council approved the 2024 Trail and Greenspace Master Plan. Bob McMeekin Park enhancements were completed which include a new Welcome Sign, an amphitheater, and sliding hill. Hay River hosted several engaging community events including the Community Spirit Awards, NWT Track and Field Championships, Hay Days, and Lobster Fest.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Building on Momentum
As we step into 2025, I am eager to continue the momentum we have built. Here’s what you can expect in the coming year:
- Housing and Development:
Phase 1 sales of Fraser Place lots will commence in early 2025. Rollout of the Residential Housing Development Grant program offering financial support for multifamily housing development will accept calls for applications. Updates to flood probability mapping will be completed and the results incorporated into updated development standards. The Town will introduce design standards for Accessory Dwelling Units construction on residential lots. The Town and the GNWT are expected to execute a land development agreement for a new Long Term Health Care Facility which will serve as an anchor tenant for Phase 1 of the Sundog mixed commercial and residential subdevelopment.
- Public Safety Initiatives:
A design for a new solid waste facility is planned to replace the end of life facility. The first phase of the Three Stream Curbside Waste Reduction project is to be launched aiming to increase recycling, reduce landfill waste, and promote sustainable waste management practices.
Flood mitigation projects will include Phase 2 completion of berm enhancements for the West Channel Berm, design and procurement for flood mitigation enhancements along Airport Road, and mitigation for Lift Station 1 located within the Riverview Ravine.
The Town also seeks to develop a Climate Adaptation Plan to further guide the development of a safe community with resilient infrastructure. An update to the Town’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be updated in consideration of the effects of the 2023 wildfire events.
- Creating Healthy Lifestyles:
The Town will complete construction on a new multiuse Vale Island Recreation Area to support access to recreation for old town residents. The space will include an outdoor rink, playground equipment, greenspace, parking and multisport pad. Phase 1 of Inukshuk Park retrofits will be completed to update the Ray Benoit rink. Multiple dog parks will be established in the community for socialization benefits. Expansion of the popular Porritt Landing Marina will allow for more boat mooring capacity providing residents and visitors with easy access to Hay River’s waterways.
- Economic Growth:
The preparation of a local economic development plan will guide future growth within the community. Support will be provided to Pine Point mine in accordance with an established MOU through their feasibility study phase. Agriculture sector investments will be undertaken through the cleanup, land planning and development of the old NFTI land area. Upgrades to the Hay River Golf Course will be completed to support destination tourism. Planning for the expansion of the industrial area near Dean Drive will be completed to increase a depleted inventory. Replacement of Lift Station 3 is scheduled as a prerequisite for sanitary system replacements in 553 and to support eventual housing development for the Aspen Heights subdevelopment.
- Partnerships
The Town will be drafting Mutual Aid Agreements with neighbouring communities to improve regional resources tied to emergency response. In accordance with the Hay River Healthy Community Strategy the Town seeks to work in partnership to execute Calls to Action identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Support will be offered to many community groups including the reestablished Hay River Beautification Committee, the Rotary Club, Hay River Library, and the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre. The Town will partner with local indigenous governments on community events and projects of mutual interest.
Gratitude and Hope
None of these achievements would be possible without your support, ideas, and active participation. Whether you attended a town hall meeting, volunteered for a community project, or shared feedback with us, you have played a vital role in shaping Hay River’s future.
As we move forward, I encourage you to stay involved and stay inspired. Together, we can make 2025 even more remarkable than the year we are leaving behind.
Wishing you a joyful and prosperous New Year,
Kandis Jameson
Mayor of Hay River
