On September 8, 2025, the Government of Canada announced over $18.7 million in funding for the Northwest Territories to support the development of stronger and more connected communities. The investment focuses on essential infrastructure projects, including public transit, water systems, and local roads and bridges, providing the foundation necessary for communities to grow and thrive.
A key example of the funding’s impact is in the Town of Norman Wells, where $1.2 million will be used to replace aging water mains. This project will strengthen the town’s water distribution system, prevent leaks, and ensure safe and reliable access to drinking water for residents. The Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) provides communities with flexible support to strategically address both current and future infrastructure needs.
Federal officials highlighted the importance of collaboration in delivering these investments. The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, emphasized that strong communities are the foundation for a strong Canada, while Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs for the Northwest Territories, underscored the value of partnerships between community governments, Indigenous governments, and the federal government in building resilient and safe communities.
The CCBF, a permanent and indexed source of funding, will deliver $26.7 billion nationwide between 2024 and 2034 to catalyze core infrastructure investments. In 2025-26, the fund will provide $2.5 billion to 3,700 communities across Canada, with the Northwest Territories receiving $18.75 million to support strategic projects across 19 categories. Since 2015, the federal government has invested $26.6 billion through the CCBF, including over $199.6 million in Northwest Territories communities. The fund also ties access to financing to provincial, territorial, and municipal actions that increase housing supply and build more connected communities.
