$405M announcement for MVH brings excitement and calls for preparation

$405M announcement for MVH brings excitement and calls for preparation Claire McFarlane, Eshana Gohil and Aastha Sethi Wednesday September 9, 2026 at 6:05am MT Federal transportation minister Steven MacKinnon takes questions about the Mackenzie Valley Highway investment alongside the NWT's MP, and Rebecca Alty and NWT deputy premier Caroline Wawzonek. Claire McFarlane/Cabin Radio Share Those situated along the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway route are excited about the federal $405 million investment, but say a lot of work is ahead. Tuesday’s announcement included funding to finalize a portion of the Mackenzie Valley Highway’s environmental assessment, its design between Wrigley and Norman Wells, the construction of the Great Bear River Bridge near Tulita, and preliminary design and engineering work for two other bridges along the route. Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely called the announcement a “wonderful sigh of relief,” saying the investment brings “prosperity and security and certainty” to residents and businesses in the region.  McNeely said the funding will allow the Sahtu to move ahead with workforce training and other preparations for the highway. The 2028 construction start and 2032 completion timeline proposed by the territorial government realistic and achievable, said McNeely. Advertisement. Advertisement. Speaking at a press conference in Yellowknife on Tuesday, Steven MacKinnon, the federal transport minister, said the federal government wants to “begin essentially immediately” on the highway’s pre-construction, mobilization and construction. MacKinnon said a highway from the south to the Arctic Ocean was “a compelling piece of the puzzle in terms of economic development.” “But perhaps most importantly, for the people who live in the territory, it will change life for the better,” said MacKinnon. “When you can imagine driving to an appointment or going to see relatives in a neighbouring, but not-so-close-by community, we think that the Mackenzie Valley Highway will change life for the people here in so many positive ways.” Advertisement. Advertisement. Danny McNeely, Sahtu MLA. Eshana Gohil/Cabin Radio Joshua Earls, president of the Norman Wells & District Chamber of Commerce, said he was “absolutely thrilled” by the announcement after attending it in person. Earls said it was encouraging to see the optimism and excitement among Indigenous leaders and Sahtu representatives, and said he hopes the investment is “only the start of…