Fonds 326 - Northwest Territories. Department of Public Works (1989-1993) fonds

The Department of Public Works was formed in 1989 and operated until 1993; it was responsible for designing, constructing, acquiring, operating and maintaining buildings, works, equipment and vehicles owned and operated by the Government of the Northwest Territories. The department delivered local and northern training programs and facilitated employment and business opportunities in the north by hiring local workers and tendering projects to local companies for capital projects. This department was also responsible for delivering energy conservation programs and the payment of heating and electrical costs and the cost of water, sewage and garbage collection services for the Government of the Northwest Territories owned and operated buildings and works.

The Directorate was responsible for the management of the department to ensure consistent application of departmental policies, standards and procedures and program delivery throughout the Northwest Territories. The Directorate developed long range plans, policy proposals and operational guidelines on all Public Works' matters for the Minister of Public Works. The Directorate was involved in northern and local training, employment and business opportunities in implementing capital programs and maintenance programs, promoted energy management in the private sector and coordinated programs for information exchange between the department and the public and private sectors.

The Project Management Division was responsible for the design and construction of all buildings and works for the Government of the Northwest Territories through its Architectural and Engineering Divisions in headquarters and the regional offices. In 1992-93, these divisions were renamed the Construction Management and Technical Services Divisions. This division also delivered the Community Granular and Dust Control Programs through project officers located in each region. This program managed granular materials production within the communities and provided dust control for these communities. In addition, the Project Management Division provided local training, employment and business development opportunities in capital projects delivered by the department. This division was also responsible for the development and implementation of building standards.

The Accommodation Services Division was responsible for all aspects of property management for the Government of the Northwest Territories, including the administration of leased and owned office and staff accommodation across the Northwest Territories, the purchase of replacement furniture and appliances for staff accommodation and the disposal of surplus assets. This division leased facilities from the private sector in accordance with the Leasing of Improved Real Property Policy, in order to facilitate and support business development in the north.

The Buildings and Works Division was responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing buildings and works owned or leased by the Government of the Northwest Territories based upon standards established by the Maintenance Management System. This division also focused on the delivery of energy conservation programs for Government of the Northwest Territories buildings and works, as well as the privatization of operation, maintenance and repair of these buildings and works.

The Vehicles and Equipment Division was responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of all Government of the Northwest Territories' vehicles and equipment (excluding Department of Transportation vehicles and equipment), based upon the Maintenance Management System. This division also focused on the privatization of these services in order to support the private sector.

The Utilities Division was responsible for the payment of heating and electrical costs and the cost of water, sewage and garbage collection services for all Government of the Northwest Territories' owned and operated buildings and works. This division was involved in developing and implementing the Utilities Management System in all regions. This system was designed to allow for improved budgeting and the monitoring of utility consumption and expenditures.

The Operations Division was responsible for the provision of planning and co-coordinating services for the department's utilities, buildings and works and vehicles and equipment maintenance programs. Work included the development of common procedures, policies and standards, as well as the provision of technical advice, assistance and training to maintenance staff within the department and to other government departments and municipalities as requested. The operation and maintenance of government buildings, works, vehicles and equipment was based upon the Maintenance Management System.

In 1993, the Department of Public Works joined with the Department of Government Services to form the Department of Public Works and Services.