Minister of Infrastructure welcomes decision for Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road environmental assessment
Press Release
October 26, 2018
The Minister of Infrastructure, Wally Schumann announced today that the Government of the Northwest Territories welcomes the decision by the Responsible Ministers to adopt the recommendations of the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Review Board on the environmental assessment of the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road (TASR), including measures modified by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and responsible Ministers through the consult to modify process with the Board. The Tłı̨chǫ Government has also separately concurred with the report. Today’s decision will allow the project to proceed to the regulatory and permitting phase.
TASR involves the construction and operation of a permanent 97 kilometre two-lane gravel highway on a former winter road alignment, from Highway 3 – roughly 40 kilometres south of Behchokǫ̀ – to the Community of Whatı̀. It is an important project for the Northwest Territories and particularly residents in the Tłı̨chǫ.
The Department of Infrastructure looks forward to getting the project underway in compliance with the conditions established by the Review Board and to continue working with responsible GNWT departments to ensure these requirements are met.
Quote
“Improving the highway system across the Northwest Territories helps to keep communities connected while improving safety for all road users. I am very pleased with today’s decision. Not only will this project help provide jobs and fosters skills and capacity building for all northerners, especially in the Tłı̨chǫ region, but it is also another step forward for this government in fulfilling our mandate commitment to secure funding and advance planning and construction of transportation projects, including three priority corridors: the Mackenzie Valley Highway, Tłı̨chǫ All-season Road, and Slave Geological Province Access Corridor.
– Wally Schumann, Minister of Infrastructure
Quick Facts
- The Tłı̨chǫ ASR will provide all-weather access from Highway 3 west of Yellowknife to the community of Whatì.
- The GNWT is working in partnership with the Tłı̨chǫ Government to advance the project.
- Replacing the southern section of the existing Tłı̨chǫ winter road network will adapt to the impacts of climate change, provide uninterrupted access to Whatì and increase the winter road window-of-access to the communities of Gamètì and Wekweètı̀.
- Transportation efficiencies will reduce the cost of living for the region and embrace social opportunities.
- All-weather access will attract further interest from industry in exploration and development of natural resources.
- Road construction and maintenance will result in significant employment and training opportunities for Tłı̨chǫ residents that support the development of a strong northern workforce.
- The responsible ministers include the territorial Minister of Lands and the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, and the federal Minister of Natural Resources Canada, as consolidated by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.
Related Links
Media Contact
Department of Infrastructure Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
1-867-767-9082 ext. 31046
INF_Communications@gov.nt.ca
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