N.W.T. approves $794.5M capital plan, 53% federal

Members of the N.W.T. Legislative Assembly approved a $794.5-million capital plan on Nov. 6, and $424.4 million of it, about 53 per cent, comes from federal contributions, the territorial government said.

That settles a question left open when Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek tabled the plan on Oct. 23 at more than $790 million, when it was not yet clear how much of the spending Ottawa would cover. The approved total is the largest capital plan the territory has seen, Cabin Radio reported.

Highways and roads account for $403.5 million, including construction of the Dehk’e Frank Channel Bridge and work on the Mackenzie Valley Highway, from planning and permitting to bridge infrastructure and corridor improvements, the government said. Ottawa had already committed money to the highway, as we reported in September, and the territory has since endorsed an Arctic corridor backed by the Tłı̨chǫ and Yellowknives Dene.

The plan sets aside $80 million for energy infrastructure, including the Fort Providence-Kakisa transmission line, planning for the Whatì transmission line and pre-construction work on the Taltson hydro expansion. Community infrastructure, such as roads, water and wastewater systems, waste management, recreation and cultural facilities and transit, gets $71.4 million. Housing gets $80.8 million for new homes and improvements to existing units.

On health, the plan funds the start of an electronic medical records system, an upgrade to the 9-1-1 system, a 34-bed long-term care facility in Hay River and improvements to Délı̨nę’s wellness centre. Planning money is included for community health and social services centres in Jean Marie River, Kakisa and Tsiigehtchic.

The plan also carries what the government called the most investment ever in school planning. Four schools are advancing to project planning, in Behchokǫ̀, Colville Lake, Nahanni Butte and Ndılǫ, while Fort Smith and William MacDonald school in Yellowknife are in pre-planning.

The government estimates the program will generate about $320 million in economic activity, support 1,750 full-time job equivalents and contribute more than $230 million in labour income in the territory.

Wawzonek told the legislature she had “some concern and pause at such a large capital plan,” noting the territory is in a difficult fiscal position, Cabin Radio reported. She has said the territory now expects a $39-million operating deficit this year.

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Sources: Government of the Northwest Territories news release, Nov. 6, 2026; Cabin Radio.