Behchokǫ̀ topographic map
Interactive map
Click on the map to display elevation.
About this map
Name: Behchokǫ̀ topographic map, elevation, terrain.
Average elevation: 545 ft
Minimum elevation: 499 ft
Maximum elevation: 840 ft
As the community grew alongside increased services such as a mission-run hospital and church, the government viewed the topography of Fort Rae as unsuitable for expansion. In the 1950s there was concern about runoff from animal and human wastes contaminating sources of drinking water, and the government proposed constructing a new settlement on more favourable terrain. The community became known as Edzo and was located on the west side of the Frank Channel opposite Fort Rae a 24 km (15 mi) drive away. Most of the Dene families refused to move from their community so that Rae (62°49′43″N 116°03′08″W / 62.82861°N 116.05222°W / 62.82861; -116.05222 (Rae)) and Edzo (62°46′30″N 116°02′26″W / 62.77500°N 116.04056°W / 62.77500; -116.04056 (Edzo)) (Rae-Edzo) became two separate communities although administered together.