Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road Project – Contract Signed
Press Release
February 13, 2019
Finance Minister Robert C. McLeod announced today that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has signed an agreement with North Star Infrastructure (NSI) to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road.
Quotes:
“This is a major step in improving connectivity for all residents of the Northwest Territories. The Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road will increase resiliency of the Northwest Territories road network, while allowing for improved social and economic outcomes for the people of Whatì, Gamètì and Wekweètì. Construction on the new road, which will start in the fall of 2019, will see the development of a new 2-lane, 97-kilometre gravel all-season road, providing a year-round connection from Whatì to Highway 3, southwest of Behchokǫ.”
-Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Finance
“This announcement brings us one step closer to building an all-season road to Whatı̀ and fulfilling our mandate commitment to pursue new transportation projects. The Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to work closely with our stakeholders, including the Tłı̨chǫ Government, as this important project proceeds through the permitting process.”
-Wally Schumann, Minister of Infrastructure
“As a company, we are excited and committed to successfully deliver the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road Project in partnership with the Tłı̨chǫ Government. This project represents a significant investment in infrastructure that will help transform local communities in the Northwest Territories.”
-Sam Chai, President, Kiewit Canada Development
“This Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road will run through Tłı̨chǫ lands. Tłı̨chǫ Government’s equity ownership in NSI recognizes and respects this important fact” said Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief George Mackenzie. “Tłı̨chǫ Government appreciates the GNWT’s moving this project forward and the generous support of the GNWT to make this project a reality. We also recognize Canada’s contribution. We think this road represents an important piece of the essential infrastructure for the Tłı̨chǫ region. We are very proud of our new partnership and look forward to the economic benefits it will bring to the whole of the Territories.”
-Grand Chief George Mackenzie, Tłı̨chǫ Government
Quick Facts:
- The Project includes unique local and First Nations involvement, with the Tłı̨chǫ Government taking 20% equity ownership in NSI. Through the construction, operation and maintenance NSI is contractually obligated to procure a meaningful percentage of project resources and labour from First Nations and/or local Northwest Territories Businesses. In addition, NSI is required to meet minimum First Nations training requirements over the contract period, ensuring that significant knowledge transfer and capacity building occurs within the Tłı̨chǫ community.
- NSI is a fully integrated team that brings extensive experience designing, building, operating and maintaining projects. NSI is a consortium consisting of Kiewit Canada Development Corp., the Tłı̨chǫ Government (as 20% equity provider); and together with Design-Build partners Peter Kiewit Sons ULC, Hatch Corporation, and Thurber Engineering Ltd. will finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road.
Relevant Links:
Media Contact:
Todd Sasaki
Media and Communications Coordinator
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 767-9140 ext. 15015
Email: todd_sasaki@gov.nt.ca
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