The government of the Northwest Territories has decided to include an additional segment of the Mackenzie Valley Highway in an ongoing environmental assessment. The current assessment focuses on the stretch of the highway connecting Wrigley and Norman Wells, with the new addition being a corridor linking Norman Wells to the Dempster Highway.
This move is aimed at streamlining the assessment process without compromising environmental review standards or granting construction approval. The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board is responsible for conducting these assessments, which involve a detailed examination to determine potential significant adverse environmental impacts or public concerns.
Following the assessment, the review board will provide recommendations to the territorial government. These recommendations could entail proceeding with the project while adhering to existing regulations, proceeding with additional mitigating measures alongside regulations, or rejecting the project altogether.
Caroline Wawzonek, the minister overseeing strategic infrastructure, energy, and supply chains, emphasized the national significance of the highway project. She stressed the importance of readiness to seize opportunities and highlighted that this decision would facilitate a more cohesive and efficient progression of the project.
The project was referred to the federal government’s Major Projects Office in March for further considerations. Recently, the project was put on hold by Ottawa due to ongoing wildfires in the territory, with construction activities postponed until the wildfire situation is under control.