Information Notes

Environment and Natural Resources has assisted the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Center, along with researchers from the University of Victoria and the Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute, in the creation of a vulnerability index tool for climate change induced threats to archaeological sites within the Gwich’in Settlement Area (GSA). Climate change induced threats, such as land slumps due to permafrost thaw, are increasingly impacting culturally significant sites and traditional land use areas.

Several Government of the Northwest Territories departments have partnered together in an effort to improve the capacity of the GNWT to proactively address climate change impacts across the Northwest Territories. Through this partnership, the capacity of the NWT to adapt to climate change impacts has been improved.

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The Government of the Northwest Territories, Government of Nunavut and Yukon Government all worked together to engage people being impacted by climate change in the north throughout the 2013/14 fiscal year. Notably, the three governments worked together to host a pan-territorial Permafrost Workshop in Yellowknife. This workshop aimed to bring together knowledge holders and decision makers. A final report on the workshop is available on the NorthernAdaptation Website.

A hazard identification risk assessment was undertaken by the GNWT's Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) to determine risks that pose a threat to the people, property, environment and the economy of the NWT. This risk assessment was specifically designed to determine how climate change would impact and change these risks. 

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Mountain pine beetle has recently been detected in survey sites along the NWT/Alberta border, have successfully overwintered in the NWT and have adapted to infest Jackpine, as well as Lodgepole pine. This makes the risk of infestation a reality within the southern forests of the NWT and as such, a study was undertaken to determine the risk that mountain pine beetle has on NWT forests and to investigate management options.

An Information Note on the GNWT's efforts to create a tool for assessing building vulnerability due to increased snowload or decreased permafrost stability.

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The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR), working with their partners, has begun mapping surficial displacement in areas of the NWT through the use of satellite mapping (DInSAR), allowing areas susceptible to permafrost slumping or heaving to be identified across 10 sites. These sites were Tuktoyaktuk, Norman Wells, Fort Simpson, Yellowknife, Tulita, Fort Providence, Hay River, Inuvik, Conoco EL470, and along the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway.

Hazardous wastes, such as used oil, and mercury items used by residents and the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors have accumulated in NWT community waste disposal sites. A study was undertaken to evaluate eight NWT communities for improperly stored or disposed hazardous waste and create an inventory and risk assessment of these waste sites.

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Hazardous wastes, such as used oil, and mercury items used by residents and the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors have accumulated in NWT community waste disposal sites. A study was undertaken to evaluate eight NWT communities for improperly stored or disposed hazardous waste and create an inventory and risk assessment of these waste sites.

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The Nunavut Permafrost Databank will provide decision-makers with access to information that can improve how they plan and support  infrastructure development in the territory.

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