Annual traffic at the Yellowknife Airport (YZF) reached over 618,000 passengers in 2025, marking a 2% increase in recorded traffic compared to 2024.

This growth was driven by increased regional travel, expanded airline routes, more flight frequencies, and heightened interest in tourism and business opportunities in the area. These statistics reflect the continued strength of air travel in the Northwest Territories and the airport’s role as a vital hub for northern connectivity.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the 2024-2025 Energy Initiatives Report, outlining progress made over the past fiscal year to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, stabilize energy costs, and support long-term energy security across the Northwest Territories.

The GNWT is hosting community meetings to share an update on the Mackenzie Valley Highway and talk about what’s coming next.

These sessions are a chance to:

• hear where the project is at
• learn about upcoming work and timelines
• ask questions and share your thoughts

Everyone is welcome.

Dates:

The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) has lifted the Health Orders previously in place at École William McDonald Middle School and N.J. Macpherson School, following confirmation that lead levels in drinking water no longer exceed Health Canada guidelines.

Winter in the Northwest Territories offers incredible opportunities to get out on the land. Snowmobiling is one of the best ways to get out and enjoy the season. But before you hit the trails, make sure safety is part of your ride.

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:

The Arctic Bioenergy Summit and Tour: Sustainable Bioenergy for Northern Communities: Reliable. Affordable. Local. starts today in Yellowknife and runs until January 28.

Hosted by the Arctic Energy Alliance and the Wood Pellet Association of Canada, this in-person event replaces the 2026 edition of the Northwest Territories Biomass Week and brings together energy leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from across Canada to explore sustainable bioenergy solutions for northern and remote communities.

Residents are invited to - Have your say on the Development Plan for Fort Smith Airport.

The purpose of a Development Plan is to guide airport development and promote growth, it provides recommendations, analyses, and policies for future development at the airport, typically for a 20-year period.

Residents are invited to learn about and engage with the proposed updates to the Development Plan by attending the following public meeting:

Premier RJ Simpson, and Ministers Caitlin Cleveland and Vince McKay travelled to Colville Lake on Thursday last week to tour the community and meet with Behdzi Ahda' First Nation Chief and Council.

Upon arrival, they were joined by Member for Sahtu Danny McNeely and sat down for a meal together with Behdzi Ahda' First Nation Chief and Council. Leaders were given a community tour, visited Colville Lake School, and then gathered again to meet with Chief and Council to discuss key topics and issues.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Princess Alexandra School, Diamond Jenness Secondary School, and the Diamond Jenness Trades Centre in Hay River.

Princess Alexandra School

Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for École Boréale School in Hay River, Chief Sunrise School in Kátł’odeeche First Nation, and Deninu School in Fort Resolution.

École Boréale School in Hay River

Testing has confirmed that all water fixtures show lead levels below the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

No remediation or mitigation measures are required, and École Boréale School can use sinks and water fountains normally.