Driving on winter and ice roads in the Northwest Territories comes with unique challenges. These roads support community resupply and see increased commercial and residential traffic throughout the winter, especially from December to March and particularly on the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road.

The GNWT and the Department of Infrastructure continues to enhance winter road safety through widening sections where possible and maintaining regular inspections and maintenance.

Whether you are a resident or a commercial driver, please keep these safety tips in mind: 

Amendments to the Driver’s Licence Regulations and General Identification Card Regulations are set to come into force by the end of January 2026.

Helping to formalize authority and update driver endorsements, these Regulations are guided by the Motor Vehicles Act, which was last amended on March 21, 2025.

These amendments:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Harry Camsell School in Hay River. Testing has confirmed that some drinking 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 Helen Kalvak School in Ulukhaktok. Testing has confirmed that some drinking 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.

Effective immediately, affected water fixtures at Helen Kalvak School will be out of service and an alternate drinking water source will be provided.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Chief T’Selehye School in Fort Good Hope. Testing has confirmed that several drinking 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 and implemented a flushing protocol for the school.

Yellowknife Airport will be conducting a live security exercise on December 9, 2025, as part of our commitment to safety and emergency preparedness.

In accordance with the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, aerodrome operators are required to conduct a live security exercise at least once every two years. This exercise is designed to test the effectiveness of the airport’s emergency plan in response to an act of unlawful interference with civil aviation.

What to Expect:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Mildred Hall School in Yellowknife. Testing has confirmed that some drinking 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) is pleased to announce the release of three important reports that provide valuable insights into road safety, traffic trends, and transportation infrastructure in the Northwest Territories (NWT):

Environmental work is advancing at six NWT airports to investigate the presence and extent of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and to inform future actions.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is reminding residents to celebrate safely this holiday season and avoid impaired driving. The holidays are a time to relax, connect, and enjoy, and we want everyone to make it home safely after every celebration.

Why It Matters

Driving impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs puts everyone at risk, not just the driver. By choosing to drive sober, we help make sure the holidays remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Tips for a Safe Holiday Season