The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce is planning a “trade mission” to Hay River this summer. The mission is aimed at building deeper trade relationships, exchanging knowledge and examining different opportunities across the two communities at a time of significant change in the North.
The territory is undergoing a period of unprecedented federal investment driven by national defence and long-term infrastructure development.
“The scale of this opportunity is larger than any one community or region and will require strong partnerships, collaboration, and coordinated capacity across the territory,” said representatives with the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce in a message issued this week.
As leaders from the chamber have pointed out, the scale of investment coming to the region over the next decade alone, has been described as a “generational opportunity” for communities, businesses and workers in the North.
Local businesses are facing a time of unprecedented opportunities in the North, but also challenges.
Local businesses are also facing unprecedented economic struggle, including the rising costs of operations due everything from post-pandemic pricing to rising tariffs and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Representatives from the chamber pointed out that the communities of Yellowknife and Hay River play “complementary roles” within N.W.T.’s economy.
Yellowknife has historically been known as a major service, logistics and business hub, while Hay River has functioned as a critical transportation and gateway hub as well as a base for manufacturing and building.
Organizers emphasized that the mission is aimed at business networking and relationship building, industry and community engagement, building dialogue around potential economic opportunities where partnership building can be a gateway.
“Strengthening collaboration between the two communities is a natural first step in building stronger regional capacity, improving economic readiness, and positioning NWT businesses to better participate in upcoming opportunities.”
Organizers said the event is scheduled to take place on July 10 and more information will be made available in the coming weeks. Anyone who would like more information can head to the chamber’s website.
