Backgrounder - Town of Inuvik Portable Stage

Centrally located in the Mackenzie Delta Region of the Northwest Territories, the Town of Inuvik is a regional hub for events and hosts feasts, concerts and festivals. These community events are also important tourist attractions, with many tourists planning visits during times when these unique regional activities are taking place.

The need to rent staging from suppliers outside the region has meant long lead times as well as other logistical and financial challenges for event organizers. In addition, open air stages have left performers without protection from the elements, a particular challenge in the region's sub-Arctic climate; even the slightest weather changes can result in event delays and even cancellations.

It is expected that the new enclosed stage will increase Inuvik's capacity to host large events, lower event set-up costs, reduce weather-caused delays, provide a more professional appearance, and complement other enhancements proposed for Jim Koe Park.

The mobile staging unit provides a flexible and efficient venue for events. It can be set up quickly, be moved by a pick-up truck, and provides roof and sidewalls for protection in moderately inclement weather. It also allows sound and lighting equipment to be installed, and can be used at all town parks, as well as Jim Koe Park.

Inuvik celebrates its traditional annual events such as Aboriginal Day, the Great Northern Arts Festival and End of the Road Music Festival, but will also participate as a Celebration Community for the Olympic torch on November 4, 2009. With almost every event in Inuvik seeing an increased attendance, the new stage is expected to see significant use.

Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development

Federal funding of $75,000 has been provided through the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program. Canada's Economic Action Plan (Budget 2009) renewed funding for the SINED program at $90 million over five years. Funding available under SINED is divided evenly between the three territories.

SINED is administered by CanNor, the newly established agency responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy. This announcement reinforces the Government of Canada's work to advance an integrated Northern Strategy to exercise Canada's Arctic sovereignty, protect the North's environmental heritage, promote social and economic development and improve and devolve northern governance.