Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following up to my statement, my questions are to the Minister of Infrastructure.
Last June, I was very pleased to witness the $140 million in funding that is dedicated to the development of an allweather highway in the Mackenzie Valley. Can the Minister of Infrastructure provide us with an update as to what work is currently being done? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to remind the House that this was a key milestone in the mandate that we secured, so it was nice to see funding for this project.
The funding that has been secured to date will help with the construction of the Bear River Bridge, the planning and environmental studies that led to obtaining permits, the road construction between Wrigley and the newly completed Canyon Creek AllAccess Road, as well as construction to an access road from Wrigley to Mount Gaudet.
Canyon Creek AllSeason Access Road represents the first step in converting the existing Mackenzie Valley Highway winter road into an allweather highway. I am pleased to advise Members that the official opening of this road will take place in November in Norman Wells. More information will be coming shortly on that.
Work is now in progress on acquiring permits for the Great Bear River Bridge. The Department of Infrastructure has been undertaking engagement with communities and residents in the Sahtu region to gain input, to finalize aspects of the project, and working to complete applications for permitting. The department also, so far, has held meetings in Deline, Colville Lake, and Tulita, including a public meeting and separate meetings with the hamlet, and meetings are scheduled later this month with Norman Wells Land Corporation Membership and the public, as well as a public meeting at Fort Good Hope.
In terms of next steps for the environmental assessment development and access road to Wrigley to Mount Gaudet, we are examining options that are available to make the determination of the best approach to proceed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thanks to the Minister for that reply. My next question, Mr. Speaker, then: the GNWT already had an environmental assessment under way with this project through the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board. What is the plan for continuing with that, what are the next steps, and when can we expect to see the environmental assessment move ahead? If you can condense that into one reply, please.
Masi. There were several questions there. Minister of Infrastructure.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, there were, but I think it is important that we get this information out there.
The environmental assessment process was initiated by the government in 2013 for the full proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway. The proposed project was rescoped in 2015 to focus on the section of highway from Wrigley to Norman Wells. In February of 2015, the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board released its terms of reference, requiring further studies to be undertaken by the department in order to complete the developer assessment report for the environmental assessment.
The Department of Infrastructure is in discussions with staff from the board to confirm options available and next steps in terms of proceeding with the ongoing environmental assessment. Before any final decisions are made, the Department of Infrastructure will also be discussing next steps with the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated and the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation.
Thanks to the Minister for the continuation of where our government was leading off in the past. My next question: I am glad to hear that things are moving ahead. Who has the department met with to date to discuss the environmental settlement for the Mackenzie Valley Highway?
The department staff, as I said, met with the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board to discuss the environmental assessment options. Staff will be meeting with the board of the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated and Chief and Council of the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation next week, as well as officials from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency Northern Project Management office.
These discussions will influence how the department will approach the environmental assessment and the timing of any associated activities, consistent with an overarching objective of proceeding through environmental review and permitting process as effectively as possible, while ensuring all related concerns are mitigated and all required approvals are obtained. A final decision on the best approach will be made in the coming weeks once the discussions have concluded, and that decision will inform the path forward, including next steps and timeline.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last question, Mr. Speaker, is: will the Minister offer my office a schedule of upcoming events? Say, for example, if there is to be a community consultation in Tulita or Norman Wells or various impacted communities, will that schedule be provided to me so that I can accompany the project team? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Yes, we will closely work with the Member on his particular region around these projects. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North.
