Politics · Canada · 8 hrs ago
Canada earmarks $3.1 billion for Mackenzie Valley Highway
The Canadian federal budget sets aside $3.1 billion for the Mackenzie Valley Highway through 2031.
The proposed 800-kilometre all-season road would link Wrigley to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories.
It would reduce reliance on barges and winter roads, which now carry supplies to some communities.
Leaders in the Sahtu region say more reliable transport could lower the cost of groceries and other necessities.
They also hope construction will create jobs and support future growth, including access to the region’s resources.
The budget says Ottawa will also cover some maintenance costs, and local leaders say communities must now prepare for construction and related work.
Canada’s federal budget earmarks $3.1 billion for construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway through 2031.
The proposed 800-kilometre all-season road would connect Wrigley to the Dempster Highway in Inuvik.
The funding announcement was welcomed by Sahtu leaders, who say the road could lower costs and support jobs.
The highway would reduce reliance on seasonal barges and winter roads.
Ottawa will also pay for some maintenance costs.
- Who
- The federal government is earmarking the funding. Sahtu leaders and business representatives welcomed the announcement.
- What
- Canada has earmarked $3.1 billion for construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway.
- When
- The budget was announced Thursday afternoon. The funds are earmarked between now and 2031.
- Where
- The proposed road would connect Wrigley, N.W.T., to the Dempster Highway in Inuvik.
- Why
- The highway is expected to reduce reliance on seasonal transportation and could lower costs and support jobs in the Sahtu region.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Mackenzie Valley Highway was deemed a project of national interest.
The federal budget earmarked $3.1 billion for the highway between then and 2031.
- Funding
- $3.1 billion
- Funding period
- Between now and 2031
- Proposed road length
- 800 kilometres
- Western connection
- Dempster Highway in Inuvik
- Eastern connection
- Wrigley, N.W.T.
1 source
What people are saying
It's been a long time coming.
It puts people at ease to know our costs will come down for our region.
I'm just overwhelmed.