Winter in the Northwest Territories offers incredible opportunities for adventure. Snowmobiling is one of the best ways to get out on the land 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:

Driving on winter and ice roads in the NWT comes with unique challenges and safety considerations. These roads are crucial lifelines for community resupply, so expect increased truck traffic this season, especially on the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road.

The North continues to experience climate warming at a faster rate than the rest of Canada, adversely impacting our Northern ecosystems, infrastructure, and supply chains.  At the same time, the Northwest Territories (NWT) is facing the combined effects of energy price volatility and a longstanding infrastructure deficit, which impact energy affordability and security.

Minister of Finance and Infrastructure, Caroline Wawzonek, issued the following statement today regarding the GNWT’s response to the challenges facing Norman Wells and the Sahtu region:

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):
 

As the holiday season draws near, we’re encouraging all Northerners to make safety a priority during celebrations! Whether you're gathering with friends, family, or coworkers, choosing to drive sober is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and your community.

Why It Matters
Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or other drugs risks more than just fines or license loss—it endangers lives. This time of year is for joy and celebration, so let’s ensure it stays that way.

To help alleviate financial pressures on residents and local businesses resulting from the ongoing fuel airlift resupply in Norman Wells, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will provide financial support to offset increased transportation costs for gasoline, motive diesel, and diesel home heating fuel.

Planned repairs to the Deh Cho Bridge are scheduled from November 2024 to January 2025. This work includes the replacement of the broken cable on November 14 and 15, 2024. Drivers should expect a full closure of the Deh Cho Bridge from 12:01 am to 3:00 am on Thursday, November 14. If further work is needed, the bridge will close again on Friday, November 15, from 12:01 am to 3:00 am. Emergency vehicles will be permitted to cross during the closure. The remaining construction work is expected to continue until January 2025 and the bridge will remain operational with a lane reduction.

As winter approaches, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) reminds all drivers to take extra precautions to ensure their safety on the roads. Winter driving requires special attention to vehicle preparation, awareness of road conditions, and readiness for emergencies.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Before winter fully sets in, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready:

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide an update on the challenges faced this year in maintaining the Northwest Territories' supply chain and the steps our government is taking to address them.

Our territory has been hit hard by a combination of record low-water levels, wildfires, rail disruptions, and added strain on our winter road systems. These issues have impacted the delivery of fuel, goods and services to our communities.

But, Mr. Speaker, I want to assure you and the residents of the NWT that we have taken decisive action.