Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about municipal services and infrastructure needs in smaller communities like Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e.
Those of us in the larger centres enjoy many municipal conveniences that we take for granted. In smaller communities, like Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e, municipal services are limited. For example, in larger centres paved roads and concrete sidewalks make it easier to get around. In many small communities there is no pavement, no sidewalks. What there is, is mud and dust. With dust there come health concerns, especially for the elders. This is a real concern, because in smaller communities many elders move about daily.
In larger centres residents have a real sense of security with the presence of RCMP. On the other hand, in many small communities coverage is a concern. A local detachment is almost always overburdened with calls. In larger centres the RCMP can response within minutes. However, in communities like Lutselk’e and Fort Resolution calls made after hours are rerouted to Yellowknife to the Yellowknife detachment, and this contributes directly to a delay in response. The RCMP in small communities is doing the best they can, but with limited resources they are handcuffed.
Residents in larger centres enjoy the luxury of long showers or doing laundry two or three times a week. In smaller communities this is not a luxury but, rather, a restriction, especially for larger households. Water is trucked in once or twice a day and has to be rationed as well as checked daily to see if there’s enough. The same goes for sewage disposal. If the tank is full, the water pump is disengaged, and there is no longer water available.
We all know the benefits of physical activity and keeping in shape. In larger communities residents have a variety of sport and recreation facilities to choose from. In smaller communities this is not so. Many communities do not have an arena, do not have a swimming pool or even an outdoor basketball court. Many youth and residents don’t get a chance to participate in sports or join in positive activities if they happen to live in small communities.
I’ll have questions for the Minister of MACA during questions. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
