Safe and reliable transportation infrastructure is essential to strong, connected communities across Canada's North and Arctic. As climate change puts increasing pressure on northern transportation systems, investments in all-season infrastructure are helping communities stay connected, while strengthening supply chains and supporting Canada's security and sovereignty in the Arctic.
Today, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced federal funding of $405 million through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to advance the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway (MVH) Project in the Northwest Territories.
This investment represents an important step toward the long-term goal of establishing a continuous all-season transportation connection between Wrigley and Norman Wells, and connecting with the Dempster Highway south of Inuvik. By reducing reliance on seasonal transportation infrastructure, the project will make it easier and more reliable to move people, goods and essential supplies throughout the region.
The vision for a Mackenzie Valley Highway has been around for decades. Now, we are finally seeing that vision move forward at a pace not seen in generations. This investment will help strengthen regional supply chains, support year-round community resupply, improve access to health and emergency services, and provide safer and more dependable transportation for residents, and Indigenous communities. A more reliable Mackenzie Valley corridor will also strengthen the resilience of Canada's northern transportation network and contribute to Canada's long-term presence, security and sovereignty in the Arctic.
Funding announced today will support:
- Finalizing the portion of MVH's Environmental Assessment and design of the MVH between Wrigley and Norman Wells;
- Construction of the Great Bear River Bridge near Tulita;
- Construction of Prohibition Creek Access Road - Phase 2, a 6 km all-season road. It will extend south from the existing road which was funded in 2022 under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP); and,
- Preliminary engineering and design for two additional bridges - the Liard River and Mackenzie River (N'Dulee) - located on Highway 1, approximately 15 km southeast of Fort Simpson and 70 km northwest of Fort Simpson respectively.
Through the AIF, the Government of Canada is making targeted investments in dual-use - civilian / community and defence - and nation-building infrastructure that strengthen northern transportation corridors, improve supply chain reliability, increase economic opportunities, and support Canada's long-term presence and operational readiness in the Arctic.
