Feds invest $405M into N.W.T.’s Mackenzie Valley Highway Project

The Government of Canada 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 $405 million investment will help build more dependable connections, strengthen supply chains, create economic opportunities and improve access to essential services. Through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, we are investing in infrastructure that responds to the needs of northern and Indigenous communities while strengthening Canada’s resilience, security and sovereignty in the Arctic,” said Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport.

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.

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.

“By improving year-round connectivity, supporting economic development, strengthening Canada’s security and sovereignty, and helping communities access the essential services they need, the Mackenzie Valley Highway reflects what can be achieved when federal, territorial, and Indigenous governments and organisations work in partnership to advance shared priorities,” said Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

Investments announced today build upon previous investments in the Mackenzie Valley Highway Project as a whole, including:

• Since June 2020: the federal government approved over $18.6 million under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for the planning and design of the new all-season access road from Canyon Creek Bridge to Prohibition Creek Bridge, and construction of the first half of the road. The Government of Northwest Territories funded the remaining $6.2 million.
• June 2018: A total of $102.5 million in National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) funding was announced for the environmental and planning studies for the Mackenzie Valley Highway, as well as the planning and construction of the Great Bear River Bridge and the 15-kilometer all-weather road from Wrigley north to Mount Gaudet. 

The Mackenzie Valley Highway was referred to the Major Projects Office on March 12, 2026, and work is underway with the Government of the Northwest Territories to advance the project.

On June 26, 2026, the Government of Canada launched a process to consider listing the project under Schedule 1 of the Building Canada Act.

A Canada Gazette notice seeking public input on the potential listing was published on August 29, 2026. The comment period closes on October 1, 2026.

Featured image: (Transport Canada)