Economy, Environment and Climate Change 1.1.1:
We will capture opportunities for investment in transportation infrastructure by working to secure funding to advance the Mackenzie Valley Highway, make an all-weather road from Highway 3 to Whatì, and improve access into the Slave Geologic Province.
Status:
In September, 2017, INF submitted Expressions of Interest to Transport Canada for funding to advance the Mackenzie Valley Highway (MVH) and Slave Geological Province (SGP) Access Corridor projects under the National Trade Corridors Fund. In October, INF received confirmation from Transport Canada that its submissions had been accepted and to proceed to the next step of the approval process. INF submitted comprehensive project proposals to Transport Canada in early November and is currently awaiting a response.
Conditional funding for the Tłı̨chǫ All-season Road was announced by the federal government in January, 2017 though the P3 Canada Program. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was released in March, which identified three successful proponents. On December 4, 2017, the three proponents where invited to participate in the next stage of the competitive process, the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage, which has technical and financial submission deadlines set for August 2018.
Next Steps:
Completion of environmental assessment activities for all project components and construction of the Great Bear River Bridge represent the most critical next steps to advancing the MVH project. INF is working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) to identify potential risks to wildlife as a result of the proposed construction. Work to advance the P3 business case for the project is progressing.
INF, in conjunction with the Department of Finance and ITI, is also in the process of developing a P3 business case of the chosen route for the Slave Geological Province. INF and officials from the Government of Nunavut have set up a joint working group to collaborate in accelerating the project in both jurisdictions.
Work is continuing with the Tłı̨chǫ Government to take the necessary steps required to complete environmental assessment activities for the Tłı̨chǫ All-season Road. A final funding agreement with the federal government is anticipated late 2018. It is expected that the RFP process will wrap up and that a preferred proponent will be announced in October 2018.
Background:
The construction of new road corridors will have significant benefits for residents of the NWT.
The GNWT has been working with Tłı̨chǫ Government to advance progress on the Tłı̨chǫ all-season road for several years now. The project will provide year-round access to Whatì and more reliable and longer access to Gamètì and Wekweètì, reducing the cost of living in the region. The road will also help facilitate existing and future economic opportunities in the region.
Improving access into the Slave Geological Province will reduce costs for industry exploration and development in a region that holds world-class deposits of natural resources and continues to be a major contributor to the NWT economy. The long-term vision of the Slave Geological Province Access Corridor includes connecting an all-weather road to an all-weather road and port in Nunavut, resulting in a significant new Northern trade corridor.
The Mackenzie Valley Highway will connect several NWT communities to the public highway system, resulting in a lower cost of living for residents, improved social, cultural, and employment opportunities, and provide incentive to develop rich petroleum reserves and mineral deports located in the Sahtu Region.
All three projects will contribute to significant employment and training opportunities, supporting the development of a stronger Northern workforce and a more resilient transportation system in the face of climate change by replacing winter roads with all-weather highways.
Links to Other Government Activities:
-
NWT Transportation Strategy 2015-2040: Supports strategic priority of capturing opportunities by continuing to expand the transportation system through partnerships to better connect our communities and support our economic development potential.
-
NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy: More reliable, effective and cost-effective transportation services greatly helps to strengthen and diversify the NWT economy by stimulating investment and providing access to natural resources.
-
NWT Mineral Development Strategy and Oil and Gas Strategy: Mineral exploration and development is largely dependent upon the availability and adequacy of transportation infrastructure and services.
-
NWT Tourism 2020: Greater road access and improved infrastructure help to attract visitors and provide new opportunities for the NWT tourism industry.
For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Infrastructure.