Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories (NWT) is a sparsely populated region located in northern Canada. Its unique geography, harsh climate, and limited population have presented significant challenges to the development of its infrastructure. However, the government of Canada and the territorial government have made significant investments to improve infrastructure in the NWT.

According to the NWT Bureau of Statistics, in 2020, the NWT had 2,322 kilometers of paved highways and 1,848 kilometers of unpaved highways. The NWT also had 49 airports, including 27 airports that are accessible year-round. There are no railways in the NWT, but there are two ports, one in Tuktoyaktuk and the other in Hay River, that are ice-free for a large portion of the year.

The NWT has made significant investments in improving its internet connectivity. In 2020, 95% of households in the NWT had access to broadband internet, compared to 89% in 2016. However, access to high-speed internet in remote communities remains a challenge.

The NWT government has also invested in developing renewable energy sources, including wind and solar power. In 2019, 20% of the NWT's electricity generation came from renewable sources.

Despite these investments, there are still significant infrastructure gaps in the NWT. Many communities are only accessible by air or water, which can make transportation and the delivery of goods challenging and expensive. The NWT also faces a significant housing shortage, with many families living in overcrowded or inadequate housing.

Overall, the NWT has made progress in improving its infrastructure, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that all residents have access to safe and reliable transportation, energy, and housing.