Concerns over road safety have emerged regarding the Dempster Highway, particularly its closures during the winter months. Denny Rodgers, the Inuvik Boot Lake MLA, articulated these issues in the legislature, emphasizing the highway’s critical role in connecting Inuvik to the rest of Canada. The highway, which traverses the Yukon, faced significant closures that directly impact the Beaufort Delta region.
Recent Closures and Their Impact
During January, the Dempster Highway was closed for 18 days. February has seen an additional nine days of closures so far. These disruptions have severely limited access to essential goods, including groceries and building supplies.
- Closure Duration:
- January: 18 days
- February: 9 days (and counting)
- Goods Affected:
- Groceries
- Building supplies
- Fuel
Rodgers noted that trucking companies are feeling the strain as most drivers work on a contract basis. When the highway is closed, there are no jobs, leading experienced drivers to seek opportunities elsewhere. This shift in workforce has implications for road safety.
Increased Accidents and Potential Consequences
Due to the closures, there has been a noticeable uptick in transport truck accidents on the Dempster Highway. Rodgers warned that this trend could lead to increased fees from trucking companies, ultimately raising prices for consumers in the region. He expressed concern that some companies might decide not to use the highway altogether.
Collaboration Between Territories
Discussions between the Northwest Territories (NWT) government and Yukon officials have been underway to address these ongoing issues. Minister Vince McKay highlighted the importance of communication between both territories, noting they have discussed the Dempster Highway in recent months.
McKay stated he would reach out to his Yukon counterpart for more details on their maintenance strategies, especially during winter storms. He emphasized that the NWT has successfully utilized local contractors for snow removal, which has effectively kept their portion of the highway open.
Addressing Climate-Related Risks
Roads such as the Dempster Highway are particularly vulnerable to climate change, facing challenges like thawing permafrost and flooding. In 2024, the Yukon government allocated $7 million for maintaining its portion of the highway. However, last year’s total expenditure for road maintenance exceeded $50 million, raising questions about the efficacy of these strategies.
Future Proposals: Mackenzie Valley Highway
Rodgers proposed that NWT contractors could provide assistance to the Yukon, potentially improving road access across borders. This suggestion ties into broader conversations about the Mackenzie Valley Highway, a proposed all-season route connecting the Dehcho region to Inuvik. Developing this highway could alleviate some of the current stress on the Dempster Highway by offering alternative routes for transporting goods.
