The GNWT has approved a 2026–27 capital estimates plan which MLAs say will guide strategic investments in infrastructure and bring over $400 million into the territory’s economy.
The 2026-27 capital plan names four main priority areas beginning with housing.
“The Estimates reflect the priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly, including commitments to housing, healthcare, economic development, and community safety. Investments are guided by the GNWT’s Fiscal Responsibility Policy, which ensures that at least half of annual capital spending is funded through operating cash surpluses,” said reps with the GNWT in an announcement issued today.
The plan will input $436 million in investments across the territory, to “strengthen the economy,” and “improve quality of life across the territory.”
The plan outlines strategic investments that the GNWT said will help create “connections” across communities, mitigate the risks of natural disasters and build on existing infrastructure.
“Key projects include the Dehk’e Frank Channel Bridge, and planning for the Mackenzie Valley Highway and Arctic Economic Security Corridor. The GNWT is also investing in renewable energy infrastructure, including the Fort Providence Transmission Line and planning for the Taltson Hydro expansion,” according to the announcement.
The plan emphasized infrastructure spending, housing and health care.
“Community infrastructure receives a proposed $67.8 million, including $17.8 million for the Territorial Fire Centre in Fort Smith. Investments in housing and healthcare include new and retrofitted public housing units, upgrades to health centres and planning and construction of long-term care facilities.”
Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek said that GNWT’ planned spending considers both “fiscal responsibility” and “long-term opportunity”
“These investments reflect our commitment to building strong, healthy communities and a resilient economy and will help lay the foundation for long-term growth and improving the lives of residents across the Northwest Territories. In a time of economic uncertainty, we are choosing to invest in the infrastructure that matters most to Northerners—housing, healthcare, and community connections—while maintaining a disciplined approach that balances long-term opportunity with fiscal responsibility.”
$161 million of the funding from federal partners including the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the National Trade Corridors Fund, and the Green and Inclusive Building Program is already in place.
According to the announcement, priority spending areas include housing, healthcare, highways, renewable energy and community infrastructure.
The GNWT said that regional allocations include 24 per cent allocated to the South Slave, 20 per cent to the Beaufort Delta, 15 per cent to the Tłı̨chǫ, 13 per cent to the North Slave, 10 per cent to the Dehcho, 3 per cent for the Sahtu and 15 per cent to other areas of the territory.
North Now reached out to the GNWT to ask for more details on the proposed breakdown of spending on housing and healthcare across the territory.
