NWT community sets out ‘rebuilding for the future’ plan after 2023 wildfire

The Hamlet of Enterprise has published a document designed to guide the community’s ongoing attempts to recover from the 2023 wildfire that destroyed many homes and businesses.

Enterprise, in the Northwest Territories, has been in flux since the fire. 

Political dysfunction led to the appointment of a territorial administrator earlier this year, while residents have complained that territorial and federal support to rebuild hasn’t always met expectations or treated people fairly.

For example, some residents – including the hamlet’s former mayor – have described a “rift” developing between insured and uninsured property owners following the fire. (Acquiring insurance isn’t always straightforward in smaller NWT communities.)

Meanwhile, the hamlet itself has struggled to recruit staff and navigate the broader turmoil.

Rebuilding for the Future, a document described as a “strategic road map,” was published this month and draws on sessions held last month that brought together administrator Grant Hood, residents and facilitator Gordon McIntosh, an expert on local governance.

The document has six pillars:

• reconstruction of Enterprise;
• provision of infrastructure and services;
• local government, such as staffing and financial health;
• the local economy;
• social wellness; and
• the environment.

Physically reconstructing the community is an obvious priority but one that has already led to years of challenges, such as who pays for which projects.

“Government, hamlet, residential and business properties need to be ready for redevelopment and cleaned up to improve the look of the community,” states the document, drawn up by McIntosh and circulated by Hood earlier this week.

“Replacement and new market housing, as well as social and senior housing, is required to provide an employee pool and market for businesses to thrive. The hamlet needs the public works building replaced to accommodate equipment and free up the fire hall.”

Each section comes with a list of actions and responsibilities.

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For the reconstruction section, there are nine options set out in relation to housing alone, with the hamlet planning a review of those options in September. The hamlet is expected to issue a request for proposals for a new public works building this month.

Under the heading of cleanup work, the hamlet is set to request more disaster assistance funding from the N.W.T. government and Ottawa to tackle remaining metal, ash and burnt trees, as well as removing old vehicles and replacing signs.

A beautification drive is likely in the months ahead. The document lists plans to clean up multiple parks, the ball diamond, the cemetery and the community centre’s entry pathway between August and October.

“Attracting returning and new residents or businesses as well as visitors requires Enterprise to have an attractive ‘curb’ appeal from the highway and within the community,” the document states.

To re-establish fire service, a budget for the fire hall and the hiring of a new fire chief are anticipated by January next year.

As the territorial administrator, Hood – a former senior administrator in Inuvik – takes the place of a mayor and council. However, the separate position of hamlet senior administrator is itself vacant and will be advertised in September, the document suggests.

Recycling, waste, wildlife

McIntosh writes that residents have made clear they do not want an election and a return to a mayor and council just yet.

“A strong sentiment was expressed that the community needed time into 2026 (vs December 2025) before a council election,” the document states, referring to the existing schedule that would trigger an election at the end of this year.

“In part, this related to the limited number of residents and their individual capacity to seek office as well as community confidence in governance readiness. As well, so much of the rebuilding efforts require external partner confidence in the hamlet’s competence.”

The hamlet is advised to consult with the territorial government about extending the transition period under an administrator for at least another year, with a checklist developed containing goals to be met before an election is called.

When an election is held, McIntosh suggests the hamlet consider changing council terms from two to three years and changing the council’s size to five people, with more work to provide orientation sessions for candidates and newly elected officials.

In terms of the hamlet’s economic future, options in the document range from establishing a truck stop to becoming a regional recycling and waste hub. Enhancing local trails and promoting “wildlife viewing opportunities” are also considered.

Under the social wellness heading, the document states: “It was felt that a collaborative culture to rebuild for the future required consistent community engagement in hamlet decisions and opportunities to celebrate progress and socialize.”

Action items include community gatherings and an activity calendar, a playground refresh, restarting the seniors’ group, relaunching the community garden and finalizing an emergency response plan once a fire chief is hired.

Lastly, the environmental category suggests acquiring more cash for firesmarting work and exploring green energy options.