The former Pine Point Railbed is approximately 80 km long and runs parallel to the south shore of Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories, from Hay River to the decommissioned Pine Point Mine. Previously used as a corridor to transport lead and zinc concentrate from Pine Point Mine, residents now use the former railbed to harvest plants and as a transportation corridor. 

During Devolution, the federal government maintained responsibility for sections of the former railway because they were considered potentially contaminated sites. The GNWT is responsible for parcels of land on either end of the former railway, closest to the old Pine Point Mine site and the railway junction close to Hay River.  The Government of Canada is responsible for sections of land which were not transferred to the territory. 

Between 2012 and 2017, the Government of Canada commissioned studies to determine the potential risk to human health. These studies found elevated levels of metals such as cadmium and lead in the surface soils and on surrounding vegetation along the former railbed. These metals can enter the body when you breathe in large quantities of dust or eat plants covered in dust.

In May 2017, community members and site users participated in a traditional knowledge and land-use survey commissioned by the Government of Canada. Using information about how residents use the former railbed, this survey helped determine which potential risks the railbed may pose to the environment and human health.

The Government of Canada has previously communicated the risks along the former railbed in community meetings in Fort Resolution, Hay River and the K'atl'odeeche First Nation, between 2015 and 2017. The health warnings and copies of the signs will also be shared via a joint social media campaign to ensure the communities understand the health hazards.