Economy, Environment and Climate Change 1.1.2:
We will strengthen connections with private sector partners in transportation infrastructure, such as encouraging CN Rail to continue improving the rail line to Hay River to serve resupply needs and expand the system in accordance with demand.
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Links to Other Government Activities
Status:
INF meets regularly with CN Rail through a working group to discuss and resolve rail service operational issues, review CN rail shipment volumes, and receive briefings regarding CN rail system infrastructure investments in the NWT.
As the GNWT has established the Marine Transportation Services (MTS) Division, significant opportunity exists to further partner with CN Rail in the delivery of essential goods to communities and industry.
The Yellowknife Airport (YZF) revolving fund has been in effect since July 1, 2017. A 2017-18 to 2021-22 Business Plan for the Yellowknife Airport was tabled in the fall 2017 session of the Legislative Assembly. The Economic Advisory Committee has been formed and had their first meeting in early November, 2017.
Next Steps:
The Department will continue to meet with CN Rail to receive updates on operations and improvements to the rail line and pass on concerns of local businesses in Hay River and the NWT.
CN is currently updating a plan that it produced internally a number of years ago for a new intermodal facility in Hay River and will share this with the CN Working Group. CN plans to ship industrial cargo via rail and GNWT tug and barge to the high Arctic. The working group aims to facilitate the successful addition of this new industrial cargo to CN’s NWT rail service and the new GNWT tug and barge service.
INF is also working with CN to acquire certifications and training required to receive CN rail traffic into the Hay River cargo terminal now owned by the GNWT. CN currently provides the necessary training via a three-day course at their rail yard facilities in Winnipeg.
INF will continue to work with the Airline Consultative Committee and Economic Advisory Committee for the Yellowknife Airport to provide a forum for input from the aviation industry and to ensure business objectives of the airport are aligned with the local business sector.
A 2018-19 to 2022-23 Business Plan for the Yellowknife Airport is currently being finalized, and will be tabled in the February/March 2018 session.
Background:
INF has had a positive and very constructive working relationship with CN for many years. In response to concerns brought to INF's attention in September 2015 regarding operational challenges concerning CN rail service into Hay River and the offloading of bulk fuel products, an engagement plan was developed whereby CN and INF formed a working group and now meet on a regular basis to discuss and resolve railway-related challenges and issues.
In March 2017, the Legislative Assembly passed an amendment to the Revolving Funds Act establishing a revolving fund for the Yellowknife Airport. Under the revolving fund model, all revenues generated by the Airport will be directed to capital and operations and maintenance for the Yellowknife Airport. The revolving fund came into effect July 1, 2017 at which time fee increases were implemented along with a new Airport Improvement Fee (AIF).
Accomplishments to Date:
CN invested over $21 million in NWT railway improvements in 2015 and 2016 in response to the challenges and issues discussed during CN Working Group meetings.
To improve CN Rail operations into Hay River, CN has stationed a local CN yard crew in the community to provide rail car switching services and deployed a new type of transloader at the rail yard to assist in more rapid and efficient transloading of bulk fuels into trucks.
INF is already making progress on advancing several improvements to the Yellowknife Airport. These include:
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Pre-design of a new security screening facility;
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Food and beverage services in the pre-board departures lounge;
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Development of a Gate 5 Business Centre for staff waiting for mine flights;
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Relocation of Oversize Baggage Facility to create more passenger queue space at check-in area;
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Development of a tender to secure a contractor to complete design and geotechnical work for an improved YZF de-icing bay;
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Design and implementation plans being finalized for Common Use Terminal Equipment; and
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Design work for parking facility upgrades
Links to Other Government Activities:
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NWT Transportation Strategy 2015-2040: Supports priority of strengthening connections to continue maintaining and improving our existing transportation system to enhance the level of service, increase reliability, improve transportation safety, and build on partnerships.
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NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy: Changes to the fee structure of the Yellowknife Airport will establish a positive entrepreneurial environment and support economic opportunities for residents by reinvesting revenues toward capital improvements at the airport.
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Tourism 2020: Infrastructure and service improvements at the Yellowknife Airport 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.