Executive Director
From: Lawson, Nick
Scott,
As per my telephone message, I hope you can convey the following message and attached information to the Board to assist with its deliberations with respect to correspondence dated April 8 from SSI to the Planning Board. To date we have been unsuccessful in speaking with the Chair of SSI but are continuing to try and connect with her to discuss the concerns expressed in the letter. At, this point I wanted to provide you with information which I trust will assist the Board at its meeting today.
1) Consultation – I am attaching a summary of consultations in the Sahtu Settlement Area (excerpted from the PDR filed with the applications). The attachment contains summaries and attendance logs for all formal meetings. As illustrated, the attached indicates that the MVFL visited all Sahtu communities at least once and the three communities directly affected by the project twice. The attachment also indicates that the MVFL team met with all Designated Sahtu Organizations at least once and in most cases on several occasions. 2) Benefits – The GNWT expects to receive a draft Access and Benefits Agreement from the Yamoga Land Corporation by mid week for review and further discussion towards reaching an agreement shortly. The wider discussion of community benefits will also be a point of discussion between the GNWT and SSI when both parties are able to connect.
I trust the Planning Board will find this information useful and we look forward to speaking with you.
Nick Lawson
Stantec Consulting Limited
1 Table 5-1 Community Consultation Record (from MVFL PDR)
Community Date and Time Group Wrigley February 20, 2013 Pehdzeh Ki First Nation Council Public January 8, 2014 Public and Pehdzeh Ki First Nation Fort Simpson February 21, 2013 Chamber of Commerce Village Council Public January 8, 2014 Deh Cho First Nations January 9, 2014 Public Inuvik March 5, 2013 Town Council January 16, 2014 March 5, 2013 Gwich’in Land Use Planning Board January 15, 2014 March 5, 2013 Department of Fisheries and Oceans March 5, 2013 Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development January 17, 2014 Canada March 5, 2013 Inuvik Community Corporation March 5, 2013 Public Inuvik Chamber of Commerce January 16, 2014 Public March 7, 2013 Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Inuvialuit Development Corporation March 7, 2013 Nihtat Gwich’in Council Nihtat Gwich’in Renewable Resource Council Inuvik Native Band Gwich’in Tribal Council Gwich’in Land and Water Board January 15, 2014 Nihtat Gwich’in Council Nihtat Gwich’in Renewable Resource Council Inuvik Native Band January 15, 2014 Gwich’in Land and Water Board January 16, 2014 Gwich’in Tribal Council Tsiigehtchic March 6, 2013 Gwichya Gwich’in Council January 14, 2014 Gwichya Gwich’in Renewable Resources Council Public
Fort Good Hope June 18, 2013 Public December 3, 2013 Public Yamoga Land Corporation Ft Good Hope Metis Land Corporation Table 5-1 Community Consultation Record (from MVFL PDR)
Community Date and Time Group Kasho Got’ine Land Corporation Fort Good Hope Charter Community Council Fort Good Hope Renewable Resource Council Tulita April 23-24, 2013 Tulita Land Corporation Public Fort Norman Metis Local #60 Land Corporation Tulita Renewable Resource Council December 5, 2013 Tulita Land Corporation Public Tulita Renewable Resource Council Norman Wells April 22, 2013 Public December 2, 2013 Public December 6, 2013 Norman Wells Land Claim Corporation Norman Wells Renewable Resource Council Deline April 23, 2013 Charter Community of Deline Deline Land Corporation Colville Lake December 4, 2013 Behdzi Ahda’First Nation
Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line Project Community Engagement Meeting Summary
Group: Public Meeting
Location: Norman Wells, NT
Date: December 2, 2014, 6:00 pm
Participants:
See attached participant list.
GNWT Delegation – Peter Clarkson (GNWT), Sean Craig (GNWT) Nick Lawson (Stantec)
Meeting Summary
Introductions were made.
The GNWT delegation made a presentation to the group (copy attached), addressing the following main points:
The GNWT has initiated planning for the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Line (MVFL), which involves burial of a fibre optic cable between Checkpoint Junction and the Town of Inuvik. This has included previous community engagement sessions in 2013, analysis of environmental conditions and approvals required, qualifying 3 contracting groups to bid on the project. The project would provide improved telecommunications infrastructure, delivering additional capacity and increased speed allowing for improvements to the delivery of government services (health care, education, general government services) and improvements to residential and business telecommunication services. The MVFL would provide the backbone telecommunications link. Phase II of the project would involve local connections from the MVFL to serve local users in the communities along the line. The target date for the MVFL being in service is mid- 2016. The GNWT intends to award a contract to one of the 3 qualified contracting groups in Spring 2014 to enable design to be completed and allow construction to commence in early 2015. To further project planning and development the GNWT intends to apply for a land use permit in February 2014 to permit installation of the fibre optic cable.
Comments/Questions
What incentives will there be for the project contractor to use local resources? Response: Bidders will receive points for the use of local and northern resources during the evaluation of their bid.
How will the use of local resources be enforced after contract award? Response: ???
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What opportunities will there be for local resources on the project? Response: Specialized cable laying equipment may need to be brought in; however, opportunities for local involvement include supply of heavy equipment (Cats, Loaders, etc.); supply and operation of camps; transportation of equipment, supplies and personnel; employment as surveyors, equipment operators, monitors, labourers, etc.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 pm.
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Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line Project Community Engagement Meeting Summary
Group: Behzdi Ahda First Nation Council
Location: Colville Lake Band Office, NT
Date: December 4, 2013, 2:30 pm
Participants:
See attached participant list.
GNWT Delegation – Peter Clarkson (GNWT), Sean Craig (GNWT) Nick Lawson (Stantec)
Meeting Summary
Introductions were made.
The GNWT delegation made a presentation to the group (copy attached), addressing the following main points:
The GNWT has initiated planning for the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Line (MVFL), which involves burial of a fibre optic cable between Checkpoint Junction and the Town of Inuvik. This has included previous community engagement sessions in 2013, analysis of environmental conditions and approvals required, qualifying 3 contracting groups to bid on the project. The project would provide improved telecommunications infrastructure, delivering additional capacity and increased speed allowing for improvements to the delivery of government services (health care, education, general government services) and improvements to residential and business telecommunication services. The MVFL would provide the backbone telecommunications link. Phase II of the project would involve local connections from the MVFL to serve local users in the communities along the line. The target date for the MVFL being in service is mid- 2016. The GNWT intends to award a contract to one of the 3 qualified contracting groups in spring 2014 to enable design to be completed and allow construction to commence in early 2015. To further project planning and development the GNWT intends to apply for a land use permit in February 2014 to permit installation of the fibre optic cable.
Comments/Questions
Will the MVFL route follow the old CN Telecommunications line? Response: It will follow the existing road Rights of Way between Checkpoint Junction and Fort Good Hope and then follow the Mackenzie Gas pipeline and Mackenzie Valley Highway corridors between Fort Good Hope and the Dempster
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Highway. There is some overlap with the old CN route but the MVFL route was selected to stay within the transportation and utilities corridor defined in the Sahtu and Gwich’in Settlement Regions.
Will it follow the same route as the proposed winter road between Fort Good Hope and the Dempster Highway? Response: Yes, presuming that route is the same as the route proposed for the all- weather highway.
Will the bidders be notified that they should work with businesses and people in the NWT? Response: Yes, bidders have been notified that there are people and equipment available in local communities along the route. Bidders will receive points during the evaluation of their bids for the use of local businesses and provision of local employment. The more local involvement in a bid, the more points a bidder will receive during the evaluation.
Colville Lake has a camp that is sitting in Norman Wells that is not currently being used. Can this be made available to the project? Response: Yes, bidders could choose to contract the use of the camp for the project.
Can we get a list of what the companies need from local suppliers? Response: Specialized cable laying equipment may need to be brought in; however, opportunities for local involvement include supply of heavy equipment (Cats, Loaders, etc.); supply and operation of camps; transportation of equipment, supplies and personnel; employment as surveyors, equipment operators, monitors, labourers, etc.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 4:15 pm.
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Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line Project Community Engagement Meeting Summary
Group: Kasho Got’ine Charter Community Council
Fort Good Hope Metis Land Corporation
Location: Fort Good Hope Community Hall, NT
Date: December 3, 2013, 2 pm
Participants:
See attached participant list.
GNWT Delegation – Peter Clarkson (GNWT), Sean Craig (GNWT) Nick Lawson (Stantec)
Meeting Summary
Introductions were made.
The GNWT delegation made a presentation to the group (copy attached), addressing the following main points:
The GNWT has initiated planning for the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Line (MVFL), which involves burial of a fibre optic cable between Checkpoint Junction and the Town of Inuvik. This has included previous community engagement sessions in 2013, analysis of environmental conditions and approvals required, qualifying 3 contracting groups to bid on the project. The project would provide improved telecommunications infrastructure, delivering additional capacity and increased speed allowing for improvements to the delivery of government services (health care, education, general government services) and improvements to residential and business telecommunication services. The MVFL would provide the backbone telecommunications link. Phase II of the project would involve local connections from the MVFL to serve local users in the communities along the line. The target date for the MVFL being in service is mid- 2016. The GNWT intends to award a contract to one of the 3 qualified contracting groups in spring 2014 to enable design to be completed and allow construction to commence in early 2015. To further project planning and development the GNWT intends to apply for a land use permit in February 2014 to permit installation of the fibre optic cable.
Comments/Questions
Who are the three companies qualified to bid on the project? Response: 1) Ledcor/Northwestel, 2) ATCO Electric, 3) Plenary/Vallard Construction/SSI Micro.
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How will local people be involved with the project? Response: Specialized cable laying equipment may need to be brought in; however, opportunities for local involvement include supply of heavy equipment (Cats, Loaders, etc.); supply and operation of camps; transportation of equipment, supplies and personnel; employment as surveyors, equipment operators, monitors, labourers, etc. The GNWT will evaluate the amount of local participation in the bids submitted by the qualified contractors.
How will the community access the MVFL? Response: The MVFL will be brought into the community to a Point of Presence (POP). Local service providers will be able to access the MVFL at the POP and provide service to local users in the community.
What happens if the cable breaks, do we lose service? Response: Potentially yes, as the cable would need to be repaired to provide service. However, the GNWT is requesting the bidders to identify how they would provide system redundancy to provide service while a cable break is repaired.
There is a need to respect the community’s interests to manage activity in the Group Trapping Area? Response: Comment noted.
A local business has a small camp inside the municipality that has been used by contractors previously. The camp was able to discharge treated grey water to the environment. This camp may be available for this project. Response: Comment noted.
.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 3:30 pm.
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Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line Project Community Engagement Meeting Summary
Group: Fort Good Hope Public Meeting
Location: Fort Good Hope Community Hall, NT
Date: December 3, 2013 Supper 5:30 pm, Meeting 6 pm
Participants:
See attached participant list.
GNWT Delegation – Peter Clarkson (GNWT), Sean Craig (GNWT) Nick Lawson (Stantec)
Meeting Summary
Introductions were made.
The GNWT delegation made a presentation to the group (copy attached), addressing the following main points:
The GNWT has initiated planning for the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Line (MVFL), which involves burial of a fibre optic cable between Checkpoint Junction and the Town of Inuvik. This has included previous community engagement sessions in 2013, analysis of environmental conditions and approvals required, qualifying 3 contracting groups to bid on the project. The project would provide improved telecommunications infrastructure, delivering additional capacity and increased speed allowing for improvements to the delivery of government services (health care, education, general government services) and improvements to residential and business telecommunication services. The MVFL would provide the backbone telecommunications link. Phase II of the project would involve local connections from the MVFL to serve local users in the communities along the line. The target date for the MVFL being in service is mid- 2016. The GNWT intends to award a contract to one of the 3 qualified contracting groups in spring 2014 to enable design to be completed and allow construction to commence in early 2015. To further project planning and development the GNWT intends to apply for a land use permit in February 2014 to permit installation of the fibre optic cable.
Comments/Questions
How deep will the cable be buried in muskeg terrain? Response: It is proposed that the cable will be buried 30 – 50 cm below ground surface throughout the route; however, if site conditions warrant deeper burial the cable may be buried deeper.
Will casing be used when completing directional drills? Response: Yes, casing will be installed when directionally drilling underneath a watercourse crossing. The cable will be installed in the casing.
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How deep will the cable be buried underneath river beds? The cable will be buried deep enough below the bed of a watercourse to prevent ice scour or shifting sediments from exposing the cable. This depth below the bed will vary according to site conditions (geology and angle of the river bed) but is expected to be approximately 10 m below the bed of larger rivers such as the Liard, Mackenzie and Great Bear.
Will you need to cut a line to install the cable? Response: Between Checkpoint Junction and Fort Good Hope the cable will be installed in the Right of Way for the Highway and Winter Road. In these locations the cable will be installed as far as possible away from the driving surface while still in the Right of Way – in some locations there will need to be trees cut to provide for a wide enough work space for cable laying equipment to operate without disturbing use of the roads by the public. Between Fort Good Hope and the Dempster Highway, the cable route will follow the same corridor as the proposed Mackenzie Gas pipeline and Mackenzie Valley Highway. It will be necessary to cut a 6 m wide trail on this section of the route to allow for the cable installation equipment and camps to operate.
Will vibrations from the road affect data transmission in the fibre optic cable? Response: No, normal road traffic and operations will not affect data transmission. Many fibre optic cables are installed in road Rights of Way across the country without experience any problems from vibrations.
What is the project schedule? Response: The GNWT will be applying for a land use permit for the project at the end of February 2014, the construction and operation contractor will be selected in July 2014 with construction occurring during the winter of 2015, summer of 2015 and winter of 2016. The fibre optic cable is expected to be operational by summer 2016.
What local opportunities are available? Response: Specialized cable laying equipment may need to be brought in; however, opportunities for local involvement include supply of heavy equipment (Cats, Loaders, etc.); supply and operation of camps; transportation of equipment, supplies and personnel; employment as surveyors, equipment operators, monitors, labourers, etc. The GNWT will evaluate the amount of local participation in the bids submitted by the qualified contractors.
Is it up to each community to ask for companies to provide local telecommunication services? Response: The MVFL provides the “backbone” fibre optic telecommunication link into the community. Connection to the MVFL will be available to local service providers who will provide service to local customers. It is responsibility of local service providers to determine what services they will provide to users in each community.
If there are 48 fibre strands and one breaks, will we still have service? Response: If there is a break in the cable it will likely be caused by equipment accidentally digging up the cable which will likely cut all of the fibre strands. In such case service will be lost. Contractors bidding to install and operate the MVFL are being asked to provide a backup to the fibre optic system should a break occur to prevent or minimize disruption to users. We don’t know what the backup system will be until we receive the bids; however, it is possible that users of the MVFL will not receive service for a short period if the cable is damaged. The GNWT will be attempting to ensure that service disruptions for users are minimized and will penalize the Contractor if service disruptions exceed a maximum number of days.
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Will the cable be installed in rock or will you try to avoid rock outcrops? Response: The final cable route within the corridor will be selected to avoid rock as much as possible; however, if rock cannot be avoided a rock wheel will be used to excavate a trench in rock much the same as excavated in soil.
What is the operational life of the cable? Response: The design life of the cable is 25 years; however, fibre optic cables in other locations have been operating for over 30 years. The plan is to operate the cable for as long as it functions or until another potential technology which provides better service becomes available.
Will there be much maintenance needed for the MVFL? Response: Generally, little maintenance for a fibre optic cable is required. Following construction the trench will be inspected to identify any potential concerns such as ground slumping or erosion that might occur. Any problem areas will be remediated. Other than that we do not expect to need to do any maintenance on the cable: repairs may be necessary if the cable is damaged which typically occurs as a result of somebody excavating along the line.
.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 pm.
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Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line Project Community Engagement Meeting Summary
Group: Yamoga Land Corporation
Location: Fort Good Hope, NT
Date: December 3, 2014, 10 am
Participants:
See attached participant list.
GNWT Delegation – Peter Clarkson (GNWT), Sean Craig (GNWT) Nick Lawson (Stantec)
Meeting Summary
Introductions were made.
The GNWT delegation made a presentation to the group (copy attached), addressing the following main points:
The GNWT has initiated planning for the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Line (MVFL), which involves burial of a fibre optic cable between Checkpoint Junction and the Town of Inuvik. This has included previous community engagement sessions in 2013, analysis of environmental conditions and approvals required, qualifying 3 contracting groups to bid on the project. The project would provide improved telecommunications infrastructure, delivering additional capacity and increased speed allowing for improvements to the delivery of government services (health care, education, general government services) and improvements to residential and business telecommunication services. The MVFL would provide the backbone telecommunications link. Phase II of the project would involve local connections from the MVFL to serve local users in the communities along the line. The target date for the MVFL being in service is mid- 2016. The GNWT intends to award a contract to one of the 3 qualified contracting groups in Spring 2014 to enable design to be completed and allow construction to commence in early 2015. To further project planning and development the GNWT intends to apply for a land use permit in February 2014 to permit installation of the fibre optic cable.
Comments/Questions
How will the cable be installed across rivers? Response: it will depend on the characteristics of the water body to be crossed. The intent is not to interact with water or fish habitat at crossings, meaning the cable will either be: affixed to existing crossing structures, excavated and placed in a trench below the water course where there is no water during construction or directionally drilled underneath the river where water is present during construction.
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Will there be user fees associated with the MVFL? Response: yes, similar to your telephone/internet bill you currently receive. It will be up to the service provider which connects your telephone and internet to the MVFL to charge the user fee.
There will be royalties or access fees for the use of private lands. Response: the GNWT will negotiate access with the private landowners for the use of land for the project.
What opportunities will there be for local resources on the project? Response: Specialized cable laying equipment may need to be brought in; however, opportunities for local involvement include supply of heavy equipment (Cats, Loaders, etc.); supply and operation of camps; transportation of equipment, supplies and personnel; employment as surveyors, equipment operators, monitors, labourers, etc.
Will the MVFL be located in the MVH corridor; is there a plan to coordinate cable installation with the GNWT proposal to build a winter road between Fort Good Hope and Inuvik? Response: The MVFL will follow the existing all- weather and winter road ROWs to Fort Good Hope and then be located in the proposed highway/pipeline infrastructure corridor between Fort Good Hope and Inuvik. The timing of construction of the winter road from Fort Good Hope north is uncertain; the MVFL will proceed on its own timeline with coordination with winter road construction if occurring at the same time.
Will you need to connect to a power source to power the fibre optic transmission line? Response: The Points of Presence (POP) located in each community where the MVFL will connect with community telecommunication infrastructure will need to be connected to the local power supply. This existing power supply will be used to power the MVFL.
Will there be an environmental assessment of the project? Response: The GNWT is currently preparing a Project Description Report which describes the project, the project environment and assesses the potential environmental effects of the project after mitigations have been applied. It is hoped that the project will receive approval at the Preliminary Screening level of assessment under the MVRMA rather than being referred to environmental assessment.
How are you planning to mitigate the risk of forest fires damaging the cable? Response: The cable is intended to be buried between 30- 50 cm below ground. It is believed that this is sufficient depth to protect the cable from forest and ground fires.
How will the “last mile” or the connection of local users to the MVFL occur? Response: The GNWT is not in the business of providing telecommunication services to users. It is providing the MVFL as a “backbone” transmission line which telecommunication service providers can connect to and provide services to local users. The MVFL will provide local service providers with access at equal cost; it will be up to them to determine service levels and costs to users. It is hoped that by providing the backbone transmission line with equal access and cost, that there will be competition to service local users.
What is the benefit of the MVFL to Fort Good Hope? Response: The MVFL will provide for telecommunication service similar to that received in southern Canada. Construction of the MVFL should
Page | 2 provide local business and employment opportunities, albeit short term. Private land owners could receive benefits for allowing access for the MVFL.
What is the total project cost? Response: The construction cost is estimated at between $65 – 70 million.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:30 am.
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Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line Project Community Engagement Meeting Summary
Group: K’ahsho Got’ine Land Corporation
Location: Yamoga Land Corporation Boardroom, Ft Good Hope, NT
Date: December 4, 2013, 10:15 am
Participants:
Edwin Erutse, Wilfred Kochon, Jacinta Grandjame, Clayton Lafferty
GNWT Delegation – Peter Clarkson (GNWT), Sean Craig (GNWT) Nick Lawson (Stantec)
Meeting Summary
Introductions were made.
The GNWT delegation made a presentation to the group (copy attached), addressing the following main points:
The GNWT has initiated planning for the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Line (MVFL), which involves burial of a fibre optic cable between Checkpoint Junction and the Town of Inuvik. This has included previous community engagement sessions in 2013, analysis of environmental conditions and approvals required, qualifying 3 contracting groups to bid on the project. To further project planning and development the GNWT intends to apply for a land use permit in February 2014 to permit installation of the fibre optic cable. The GNWT wants to secure access to private lands for the MVFL from the Yamoga Land Corporation
Comments/Questions
Representatives of the Land Corporation advised on the process for acquiring access to private lands. The primary point of contact is Jacinta Grandjambe in the Fort Good Hope office. There is no specific application form and the process is initiated by submitting a letter requesting land access. Response: The GNWT will contact Jacinta formally requesting to initiate land access negotiations.
Usually an Access and Benefits agreement is signed between the Land Corporation and the developer. Among other possible items, such an agreement usually contains a clause to give local preference for employment and business opportunities arising from the project. Any contractors are also required to adhere to the provisions of the agreement. Response: Acknowledged.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:15 am.
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Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line Project Community Engagement Meeting Summary
Group: Tulita Public Meeting
Location: Tulita Community Hall, NT
Date: December 5, 2013, Supper 6:00 pm, Meeting 6:30 pm
Participants:
See attached participant list.
GNWT Delegation – Peter Clarkson (GNWT), Sean Craig (GNWT) Nick Lawson (Stantec)
Meeting Summary
Introductions were made.
The GNWT delegation made a presentation to the group (copy attached), addressing the following main points:
The GNWT has initiated planning for the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Line (MVFL), which involves burial of a fibre optic cable between Checkpoint Junction and the Town of Inuvik. This has included previous community engagement sessions in 2013, analysis of environmental conditions and approvals required, qualifying 3 contracting groups to bid on the project. The project would provide improved telecommunications infrastructure, delivering additional capacity and increased speed allowing for improvements to the delivery of government services (health care, education, general government services) and improvements to residential and business telecommunication services. The MVFL would provide the backbone telecommunications link. Phase II of the project would involve local connections from the MVFL to serve local users in the communities along the line. The target date for the MVFL being in service is mid- 2016. The GNWT intends to award a contract to one of the 3 qualified contracting groups in spring 2014 to enable design to be completed and allow construction to commence in early 2015. To further project planning and development the GNWT intends to apply for a land use permit in February 2014 to permit installation of the fibre optic cable.
Comments/Questions
When will the MVFL be operational? Response: Construction is expected to begin in January 2015 between Wrigley and Fort Good Hope. During the summer of 2015 it is expected that construction between Checkpoint and Wrigley will be completed, allowing service between Checkpoint and Fort Good
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Hope to begin in fall 2015. The final section between Fort Good Hope and Inuvik would be constructed in winter 2016 with the full MVFL becoming operational by summer 2016.
How will you prevent the directional drill from coming up through the river bed? Response: Directional drilling technology has advanced considerably and drillers are able to guide the drill head with great accuracy. The drill hole will be located several metres below the river bed, as much as 10 meters below on large rivers such as the Mackenzie. The risk of the drill coming through the river bed is very low.
Will the fibre optic cable break as a result of melting permafrost or shifting ground? Response: The project design calls for the use of marine fibre optic cable which is encased in two layers of metal and surrounded by a polyethylene covering. This cable is used in marine environments where the stresses of laying the cable and the risks to damage are greater than for cable installations on land. The marine cable should be better able to withstand the pressures of shifting ground than the typical cable laid in terrestrial applications. Additionally, the project may lay dual cables in some areas of sensitive terrain to provide redundancy should one cable be damaged by shifting terrain.
We would like the bidders to discuss opportunities with the communities? Response: We understand that every community will want some involvement in the project and we are encouraging the bidders to try and maximize local involvement. We are providing points in the bid evaluation process to encourage bidders to maximize local involvement.
Will the MVFL provide increased range for cell phones? Response: No, the MVFL will provide increased capacity for telecommunication services, there will still be a need for towers to broadcast cell signals as there is now. Increased range would need to come from additional towers to provide more coverage.
Who will run the MVFL? Response: The MVFL will be owned by the Government of the Northwest Territories. The GNWT is currently seeking bids for a contractor to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the MVFL. The successful bidder will operate the MVFL for a period of 20 years according to the terms of a contract with the GNWT. This is similar to an owner of a building hiring a service to manage and maintain the building.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:20 pm.
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Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line Project Community Engagement Meeting Summary
Group: Tulita Renewable Resource Council
Tulita Land Corporation
Location: Tulita Community Hall, NT
Date: December 5, 2013, 3:30 pm
Participants:
See attached participant list.
GNWT Delegation – Peter Clarkson (GNWT), Sean Craig (GNWT) Nick Lawson (Stantec)
Meeting Summary
Introductions were made.
The GNWT delegation made a presentation to the group (copy attached), addressing the following main points:
The GNWT has initiated planning for the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Line (MVFL), which involves burial of a fibre optic cable between Checkpoint Junction and the Town of Inuvik. This has included previous community engagement sessions in 2013, analysis of environmental conditions and approvals required, qualifying 3 contracting groups to bid on the project. The project would provide improved telecommunications infrastructure, delivering additional capacity and increased speed allowing for improvements to the delivery of government services (health care, education, general government services) and improvements to residential and business telecommunication services. The MVFL would provide the backbone telecommunications link. Phase II of the project would involve local connections from the MVFL to serve local users in the communities along the line. The target date for the MVFL being in service is mid- 2016. The GNWT intends to award a contract to one of the 3 qualified contracting groups in spring 2014 to enable design to be completed and allow construction to commence in early 2015. To further project planning and development the GNWT intends to apply for a land use permit in February 2014 to permit installation of the fibre optic cable.
Comments/Questions
Will telephone and internet services be less expensive for users once the MVFL is operational? Response: The price to users will be determined by local service providers. The MVFL will provide the
Page | 1 infrastructure for improved service and will provide equal access to local service providers. Equal access to the MVFL allows for competition among service providers which may result in reduced cost for users.
How deep will the cable be buried to protect it from forest fires? Response: Originally it was proposed to bury the cable 20 – 25 cm below ground surface; however, as a result of input from community residents and the Fire Science group at the GNWT Department of Environment and Natural Resources it is now proposed to bury the cable at a depth of 30 – 50 cm below ground to protect it from forest fires.
Traditional knowledge should be utilized to gain information about terrain conditions? Response: The MVFL has utilized the traditional knowledge collected during the preparation of the Mackenzie Valley Highway Project Description Reports. That work was sponsored by the GNWT and also follows the same route along for most of its length.
How deep will the cable be buried beneath rivers? Response: The cable will be buried deep enough below the bed of a watercourse to prevent ice scour or shifting sediments from exposing the cable. This depth below the bed will vary according to site conditions (geology and angle of the river bed) but is expected to be approximately 10 m below the bed of larger rivers such as the Liard, Mackenzie and Great Bear.
Will the cable be buried in the winter road or the all- weather highway Right of Way? The cable will be buried in the winter road Right of Way.
The RRCs are custodians of the land and want to monitor the construction activity. Response: Understood, it is expected that the Contractor will hire environmental monitors during construction.
Some areas along the proposed route are good for bear dens; traditional knowledge will help you locate these sites? Response: Acknowledged.
Will you have problems with providing local involvement opportunities for each community because every community wants to be involved? Response: We understand that every community will want some involvement in the project and we are encouraging the bidders to try and maximize local involvement. We are hopeful that each community has some involvement in the project; however, other activities such as oil and gas exploration in the Sahtu may utilize all available resources in some communities during the same period the MVFL is constructed. In such cases it may be necessary to utilize resources from other communities.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 4:45 pm.
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Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line Project Community Engagement Meeting Summary
Group: Norman Wells Land Corporation,
Norman Wells Renewable Resource Council
Location: MV Hotel Boardroom, Norman Wells, NT
Date: December 6, 2013, 12 pm
Participants:
Leon Andrew, Jim Allard, Ed Hodgson, Norm Hodgson, Mitzy Hodgson, Cece McCauley, Andy Short (ITI), Kathy Ades (AANDC)
GNWT Delegation –Sean Craig (GNWT) Nick Lawson (Stantec)
Meeting Summary
Introductions were made.
The GNWT delegation made a presentation to the group (copy attached), addressing the following main points:
The GNWT has initiated planning for the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Line (MVFL), which involves burial of a fibre optic cable between Checkpoint Junction and the Town of Inuvik. This has included previous community engagement sessions in 2013, analysis of environmental conditions and approvals required, qualifying 3 contracting groups to bid on the project. The project would provide improved telecommunications infrastructure, delivering additional capacity and increased speed allowing for improvements to the delivery of government services (health care, education, general government services) and improvements to residential and business telecommunication services. The MVFL would provide the backbone telecommunications link. Phase II of the project would involve local connections from the MVFL to serve local users in the communities along the line. The target date for the MVFL being in service is mid- 2016. The GNWT intends to award a contract to one of the 3 qualified contracting groups in spring 2014 to enable design to be completed and allow construction to commence in early 2015. To further project planning and development the GNWT intends to apply for a land use permit in February 2014 to permit installation of the fibre optic cable.
Comments/Questions
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Will there be a local content requirement in bids from contractors? Response: We understand that every community will want some involvement in the project and we are encouraging the bidders to try and maximize local involvement. We are providing points in the bid evaluation process to encourage bidders to maximize local involvement.
How will the MVFL be funded? Response: The selected contractor will be responsible for financing the construction and operation of the project over the initial 20 year operating period. The GNWT will provide the Contractor will regular payments over the operational period when contractual requirements are met. At the end of the initial 20 year operating period the GNWT will most likely go out to tender for operation for another period of time.
What are the benefits of the project to the Land Corporation? Response: The general benefit is improved telecommunication service. An equity participation opportunity has been offered to Aboriginal groups, in your case through the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated. Suggest that you discuss this with SSI and respond back to the GNWT.
Will the directionally drilled crossings be cased as there will be a need to protect the cable from washouts? Response: Yes, casing will be used in the directional drilled crossings.
Can you provide a list of what might be required from local contractors? Response: Specialized cable laying equipment may need to be brought in; however, opportunities for local involvement include supply of heavy equipment (Cats, Loaders, etc.); supply and operation of camps; transportation of equipment, supplies and personnel; employment as surveyors, equipment operators, monitors, labourers, etc. The GNWT is encouraging the bidders to contact local suppliers and will evaluate the amount of local participation in the bids submitted by the qualified contractors.
It is important that you consider ground conditions along the route and plan to protect permafrost; you may need sand for backfill? Response: Current preliminary design calls for a trench to be excavated and the material excavated to be returned to the trench to cover the cable. Site specific variations to this approach may be developed by the successful contractor to address challenging terrain. The cable trench will also be monitored for slumping and erosion and restoration will be undertaken if and where necessary.
Imperial Oil has directionally drilled and installed cables in casing between the artificial islands and their facility in Norman Wells. There may be some lessons learned that could be applied? Response: Acknowledged, we will inform the bidders.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 pm.
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