Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to highlight a small but very enterprising community in my riding. The hamlet of Enterprise, with about 100 people, is known as the gateway to the Northwest Territories. The community is located about 90 kilometres into the Northwest Territories from the Alberta border along the Mackenzie Highway at the turnoff to Hay River.
Enterprise is the first community highway travellers see when they enter the Northwest Territories. Many stop to picnic beside the scenic Hay River or pay a visit to Winnie’s Restaurant, a friendly place offering delicious home cooked meals and a wonderful selection of Dene arts and crafts. Other local businesses include service stations and the Twin Falls Motel to accommodate travellers.
Enterprise was established when the highway was built in 1967. It was incorporated as a hamlet in 2007. The community probably advertises itself as environmentally friendly, clean, safe and a sustainable community with manageable growth.
The only real cloud on the horizon for this hardworking little town is the economy. Enterprise likes visitors and needs some for its business to survive. Better infrastructure is one way to encourage travellers to stay for a meal, tank of gas or a night’s rest in the community. The hamlet is working hard to improve local services.
A water well will be drilled in August to supply their fire department and community garden. The well will also test flow rates and water quality. If those tests are positive, the hamlet could potentially develop a water treatment plant and operate its own water supply system. Currently the hamlet buys all its water from the Town of Hay River.
Later today I will have questions for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs for the government’s support for these efforts. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
