Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories invest in housing-enabling infrastructure across the territory

BEHCHOKǪ̀, NT, Sept. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Government of Canada is using every tool at its disposal, leveraging technology, innovation and partnerships, to build homes at scale.

To that end, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Jane Weyallon Armstrong, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Monfwi, announced federal funding of more than $44.9 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) to support water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure projects across the territory. In total, these investments will enable the construction of up to 2,300 housing units. These investments will help communities address critical infrastructure needs, support housing development, preserve existing homes, and create the conditions needed to build more homes, faster.

The approved projects support communities across the territory, including Behchokǫ̀, Colville Lake, Délı̨nę, Fort Good Hope, Fort Liard, Fort McPherson, Fort Providence, Fort Smith, Inuvik, Nahanni Butte, Sambaa K'e, Tsiigehtchic, Ulukhaktok and Yellowknife. Investments will support upgrades to water treatment plants, water storage and distribution systems, wastewater infrastructure, and solid waste facilities.

The projects are part of the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund agreement between Canada and the Northwest Territories, which provides more than $74.2 million over nine years to support investments in drinking water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure that enable housing development and help preserve existing homes.

These types of important infrastructure projects support the Government of Canada's goal to address the housing crisis and complement the work of Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency that will build affordable homes, support builders with financing, and encourage better building methods.

Together, we will make housing more affordable by unleashing the power of public-private cooperation, catalysing a modern housing industry, and creating new careers in the skilled trades.

Quotes

"Communities across the Northwest Territories know that building more homes starts with having the right infrastructure in place. That's why our government is investing more than $44.9 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund infrastructure that will enable the construction of more homes in communities across the Northwest Territories, from Ulukhaktok to Fort Smith and everywhere in between."

The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

"Access to reliable water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure is essential to supporting housing development and building healthy, sustainable communities. Through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, the GNWT is partnering with communities across the Northwest Territories to invest in critical infrastructure that will help unlock new housing opportunities, preserve existing homes and strengthen community resilience for years to come." 

The Honourable Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs 

"Our community has been waiting for the infrastructure needed to support new homes. Upgrades to our water and waste systems mean more families can have safe, healthy places to live close to home. This funding is an important step forward for Behchokǫ̀, and we are proud to be part of this work alongside our partners."

Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe of Behchokǫ̀

Quick facts

• Part of Budget 2024, CHIF is investing in the construction and upgrading of core public infrastructure that will enable housing growth and densification in communities across Canada. 
• CHIF is designed to help communities build the infrastructure necessary to support more homes and increase housing density. The funding can be used for projects that improve drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, as well as initiatives that preserve existing capacity, enhance system reliability, or implement waste diversion measures to reduce landfill use.
• A share of CHIF is allocated to support long-term provincial and territorial priorities. Provinces and territories must finalize an agreement with the Government of Canada to receive funding.
• Funding through the direct delivery stream of CHIF is supporting important infrastructure projects in municipalities and Indigenous communities. The intake for this stream is now closed.
• Launched on September 14, 2025, Build Canada Homes is Canada's new federal agency, with the mandate to scale up the supply of affordable housing. By leveraging public land, flexible financial tools, and modern methods of construction, the agency is catalysing a more productive and innovative homebuilding industry.
• The federal government is making generational investments in infrastructure through the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF), providing $51 billion over 10 years, starting in 2026-27, and $3 billion per year ongoing, in a wide range of public infrastructure projects that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation.
• Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations.

Related products

Backgrounder: Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories invest in housing and housing-enabling infrastructure across the territory 

Associated Links

Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund 
Build Canada Homes 
Build Communities Strong Fund

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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Arianna Durgerian, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960- 9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Peter Tah, Manager, Public Affairs and Communications, Municipal and Community Affairs, Government of the Northwest Territories, [email protected], 867-767-9162 ext. 21012; Media Communications, Tłı̨chǫ Government, [email protected]