NT Energy and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) are pleased to announce the launch of Hay River’s first Level 3 Electric Vehicle (EV) Fast Charger. This 100kW charger, installed as part of the GNWT’s 2030 Energy Strategy and 2022-2025 Energy Action Plan, marks a significant milestone in reducing transportation emissions and brings the NWT closer to establishing a zero-emission vehicle corridor. There will be two Level 3 charging stations along with two Level 2 charging stations installed at the Hay River location, allowing several vehicles to charge at the same time.

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Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to provide an update on the Mackenzie Valley Highway project, an ambitious initiative that reflects our continued commitment to fostering sustainable development in the North.

The Mackenzie Valley Highway project dates back several decades, with discussions starting as early as the 1970s. Over the years, extensive planning and consultation have taken place to ensure that this project respects the land and the communities it will serve.

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Mr. Speaker, the high cost of energy remains one of the greatest challenges for residents and businesses across the Northwest Territories. The realities of our northern environment only amplify these burdens. However, the GNWT is committed to alleviating these pressures through immediate relief and sustainable, long-term solutions, paving the way for a more stable and affordable future for all Northerners.

Caroline Wawzonek, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Infrastructure, and Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely issued the following statement today in response to Imperial Oil’s announcement to temporarily reduce the price of home heating fuel in Norman Wells.

Minister Caroline Wawzonek
“We recognize the immense challenges that residents of Norman Wells and the Sahtu region are facing. The sharp rise in fuel prices has placed significant financial stress on families, businesses, and communities.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is donating $150,000 to the Norman Wells food bank to support residents facing rising costs. This contribution is part of the GNWT’s ongoing efforts to alleviate the financial burden caused by rising fuel prices and disruptions to essential supply chains.

Canadian Youth Road Safety Week is just around the corner, running from October 20 to 26, 2024. This national initiative aims to raise awareness among young and new drivers about the dangers of risky driving behaviors like distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and not wearing seatbelts. With road crashes being the third-leading cause of death among youth aged 15 to 24, this campaign is crucial in encouraging safer driving habits.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has cancelled a tender for dredging work at the Liard River Ferry Landings, initially scheduled to start in mid-September 2024.

Construction of phase one of the Prohibition Creek Access Road (PCAR) is complete and open for public use.

This first section of PCAR is a 6.7-kilometre stretch of new all-season highway from Canyon Creek to Christina Creek, south of Norman Wells. Combined with the previously built Canyon Creek All-Season Access Road, there is now a total of 20.7 kilometres of the seasonal Mackenzie Valley Winter Road accessible year-around, improving the safety, reliability and resilience of the Northwest Territories transportation system in the face of climate change.

Starting October 13, 2024, fees for various tenant services at the Yellowknife Airport (YZF) will increase.

This includes services such as maintenance, first aid and extinguisher training and airside driver operator permit testing. The changes will also apply to fines for lost keys and passes, as well as float plane escort and docking services. In most cases, tenants have the option to either use YZF services or contract them out.

Key principles behind the fee updates are as follows:

Planning travel just got easier with the launch of DriveNWT, a state-of-the-art highway map designed to enhance the safety, efficiency and sustainability of our transportation networks.