Information about the public boat launch area at the Giant Mine site
This information addresses topics of interest related to the remediation work that will take place at the public boat launch area at the Giant Mine site.
On this page
Anticipated schedule and phases for remediation work at the public boat launches
From now until 2028, public access is anticipated to remain minimally impacted with respect to the public boat launch and parking area, the Yellowknife Historical Society and Great Slave Sailing Club.
The Giant Mine Remediation Project’s goal is to maintain substantially uninterrupted public access to Great Slave Lake by way of the existing public boat launch, or through the area now occupied by the Great Slave Sailing Club during the open water season. However, remediation or investigation activities may cause temporary and short duration disruptions to access to the public boat launch.
The Project will work to minimize traffic disruptions to the public when scheduling work activities and will notify the public of any traffic disruptions through signage, and when appropriate, site personnel. Specific work notices will be posted at Giant Mine safety and work notices.
The Giant Mine Remediation Project understands that members of the Yellowknife boating community may have questions about how, and when, the Project’s remediation work will affect access to the public boat launch area. The information provided in this document is based on the current proposed schedule which is subject to change as remediation progresses.
Remediation activities during Phase 1 will include:
- townsite deconstruction (complete)
- water treatment plant outfall construction
During Phase 2 the existing public boat launch will remain open.
In 2028, soil remediation is anticipated to begin in the areas currently occupied by the Great Slave Sailing Club and Yellowknife Historical Society, in the active construction area, as shown in orange in Figure 2. The public, including Great Slave Sailing Club members, will not have access to these areas during this time.
The Project is committed to allowing continual access to the Yellowknife Historical Society museum, however there may be times when remediation activities cause temporary and short duration disruptions to access to the museum.
Remediation activities during Phase 2 will include:
- removing contaminated soils and buried waste (if encountered)
- constructing a new interim boat launch and floating dock
- partially dredging or placing an engineered rock cover over the contaminated sediments, or both
- reconstructing access roads and parking areas
The Project will construct a new boat launch in the area currently occupied by the Great Slave Sailing Club that is comparable to the existing public boat launch to accommodate public access.
The interim boat launch constructed during Phase 2 (in the area currently occupied by the Great Slave Sailing Club) will be open to accommodate public access to Great Slave Lake.
Public access to the existing public boat launch in the active construction area (shown in orange in Figure 3) will be restricted to project personnel to carry out remediation activities. The public, including Great Slave Sailing Club members, will not have access to the area during this time.
Remediation activities during Phase 3 will include:
- partially dredging or placing an engineered rock cover of the contaminated sediments, or both
- removing contaminated soils
- remediating Baker Creek, which includes
- realignment of the channel
- removal of contaminated sediments
- adding fish habitat features
Contact information for issues with public access areas
The Government of the Northwest Territories is responsible for areas accessible to the public throughout active remediation, and is where you can ask questions or voice concerns for any issues regarding the public boat launch. The Government of the Northwest Territories will keep the public informed of any disruptions to access to the boat launches due to remediation activities.
If you have questions or wish to make a report, you can do so by emailing publicuse_giant_lieupublic@gov.nt.ca or calling (867) 767-9236 Ext 53190
More info: Government of the Northwest Territories’ Giant Mine Townsite and Boat Launch webpage
Boat launch design details
The Project has an approved design for the new interim public boat launch available on the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board’s public registry. The project committed to constructing a new boat ramp in the area now occupied by the Great Slave Sailing Club that is comparable to the current public boat launch.
How the Project shares updates about remediation work at the Giant Mine site
The following are ways in which information will be shared:
- meetings and discussions with Rights holders and stakeholders
- Giant Mine Remediation Project annual Public Forum event
- attendance at trade shows and other public venues
- Giant Mine Remediation Project webpage
- Giant Mine Remediation Project safety notices and work notices webpage
For questions about the Giant Mine Remediation Project, or to be added to the email distribution list please call 867-444-9427 or email us.