Aklavik, NWT

Known as the ‘town that wouldn’t die’, the relocation of Aklavik to Inuvik was prompted by its location on low, unstable ground in the Mackenzie River Delta. Though the community continues to experience the severe flooding and erosion that prompted relocation, a number of residents refuse to leave their homes. 

Project Initiation 

In 1953, the Federal Government of Canada recommended the relocation of Aklavik due to severe flooding and land erosion. In addition, the town had little chance of expansion, a poor sewer system, and no airstrip. The federal government, with the goal of developing a model Arctic town, began to explore other sites to develop. 

Process 

Several sites were scouted between 1953 and 1956-- 12 sites in total. Land surveys were carried out from a series of base camps at or near the potential sites. The sites were examined during winter, break-up and summer conditions. Analysis focused on the geophysical and hydrological characteristics of the sites.

In 1956 building began on the site that would become Inuvik.

Community Engagement 

The decision to relocate the town was made with limited input. Southern engineers and bureaucrats made the decisions about site selection and the planning of the new town. An Aklavik Relocation Advisory Committee was formed in 1954, which introduced a few more local opinions, however they were largely the opinions of the white trapper community and not the Indigenous voices.

Outcomes 

As Inuvik developed, the population in Aklavik declined. Employment opportunities and the closing of the mission and high school in Aklavik led to more people moving to Inuvik. Though some people remained in Aklavik, and some left and returned, Inuvik has become the regional centre for the Beaufort Delta.