The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Behdzi Ahda' First Nation have reached two key milestones in strengthening education in Colville Lake by delivering three modular school units to support students in the near term and selecting the site for a future permanent school.

Due to complex winter road logistics to Colville Lake, including the size and weight of the units, moving the three modular units represents a major operational accomplishment achieved through close collaboration between the GNWT and the Behdzi Ahda' First Nation. The modulars were transported from Enterprise to Colville Lake, requiring extensive planning, coordinated escorts, and the use of the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road.

To ensure public safety during transit, rolling road closures and temporary delays occurred along Highway 1 and the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road. Communities along the route were notified in advance as roads were briefly closed to allow the safe passage of the oversized loads. All closures were lifted after each unit passed through.

The modular school units will provide improved learning space for students and teachers in Colville Lake and will support the community’s education needs while planning continues for the construction of a new school.

The GNWT and Behdzi Ahda' First Nation have also reached agreement on the location for the new school building. The selected site is located on the decommissioned airport runway overlooking the community. Spanning approximately 7,500 square metres, the site provides sufficient space for the new school and future planning needs. The selection of a site that meets the needs of the community represents an important milestone in the GNWT- Behdzi Ahda' First Nation workplan to advance a permanent school build.

Quotes:

 “Successfully delivering these modular school units to Colville Lake is a major achievement and a testament to the skill, planning, and teamwork of everyone involved. Winter road operations are never easy, and transporting units of this size requires precision and collaboration. I’m proud of the GNWT staff and partners who ensured the move was completed safely and efficiently. These modular units will support the community’s educational needs for years to come.”

  - Vince McKay, Minister of Infrastructure

“Bringing these modular school units to Colville Lake ensures students have access to safe, functional, and welcoming learning spaces in their own community. Every student in the Northwest Territories deserves quality educational facilities, no matter where they live. These new units will help strengthen learning opportunities in the near term and act as a bridge until a new school can be designed and constructed in Colville Lake. The selection of a site brings the building of this new school one step closer to reality. The GNWT will continue to work with the Behdzi Ahda' First Nation to ensure generations of Colville Lake students get the modern infrastructure they need to succeed.”

  - Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

“These two significant milestones are bringing a much-needed upgrade to Colville Lake facilities. The modular school units will benefit our youth with improved access to the education they deserve. The choice of a site for the new school is an important milestone in the completion of a vital piece of infrastructure for our community. The Behdzi Ahda' First Nation is looking forward to continuing its collaborative work with the Government of the Northwest Territories to successfully complete this project.

  - Richard Kochon, Chief, Behdzi Ahda' First Nation
 

“The people of Colville Lake have been waiting a long time to see progress toward a new school for their community, so it is encouraging to see these important steps moving forward. The arrival of the modular units will help support students and teachers in the near term, while the agreement on a site for the future school brings us closer to providing a permanent, modern learning space for the children and families of Colville Lake. A new facility will help ensure students have the safe, up-to-date learning environment they deserve. I want to thank the Behdzi Ahda’ First Nation leadership and the GNWT for continuing to work together to strengthen education opportunities in the community.”

  - Danny McNeely, MLA for Sahtu

Quick facts

• Modular departure: Enterprise, March 1, 2026
• Arrival: Colville Lake, March 4, 2026
• Temporary rolling road closures occurred along Highway 1 and the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road, and were posted on the Highway Conditions Map.
• Closures were brief and reopened immediately after the units passed.
• In January 2026, the GNWT and Behdzi Ahda’ First Nation signed a workplan to advance a school build in Colville Lake.

Related Links:

• Department of Infrastructure
• Drive NWT – Highway Conditions Map

For media requests, please contact:
Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9082 ext. 31166

Agata Gutkowska
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories 
agata_gutkowska@gov.nt.ca

Joseph Kochon
Senior Administrative Officer (SAO)
Behdzi Ahda' First Nation
joseph_kochon@behdziahda.net
867-709-2200