August 26, 2011 - The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) opened its new Data Centre today. Minister Responsible for Public Works and Services Michael McLeod, officially cut the ribbon on the new facility this afternoon.
“The new Data Centre will ensure that the information technology (IT) that our departments, boards and agencies need to deliver high quality programs and services to NWT residents is in place for the next 20 years,” the Minister said.
The state-of-the-art facility supports government programs and services which increasingly rely on specialized digital information systems and applications such as video conferencing, electronic records and database systems. With business resumption capabilities and sophisticated back-up systems, the Data Centre ensures that these critical government functions are delivered reliably to NWT residents.
In addition to the unique user requirements of this facility, energy efficiency standards were achieved with the help of PWS’ Design and Technical Services division and the 2009 Guidelines for Good Building Practices for Northern Facilities. This GNWT facility far exceeds the national Eco-Energy Validation Program’s energy-efficiency standards, and is 25 per cent more energy efficient than buildings built for similar purposes.
A heat recovery system incorporated into the design of the building allows the new Data Centre to reuse waste heat from computer and other IT equipment to heat the actual building. Once fully operational, surplus heat will also be used to heat the adjacent Government Warehouse located on the same site, substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operations and maintenance costs.
The new GNWT Data Centre is an example of how, through collaboration and innovative technology, the GNWT has invested to improve its operations and infrastructure in support of the 16th Assembly’s vision of effective and efficient government.
For more information, contact:
Jhillian Adams
Communications Contact/Coordinator
Corporate Services
Department of Public Works and Services
P: 873-7445
Jhillian_Adams@gov.nt.ca