Construction of the Dempster Fibre Line is complete

The Government of Yukon today announced that the construction of the Dempster Fibre Line, a 778-kilometre fibre optic line that runs along the Dempster Highway between Dawson, Yukon, and Inuvik, Northwest Territories, is now complete.

This line will connect the Government of Northwest Territories’ existing Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link in Inuvik to Northwestel’s fibre network in Dawson. Once operational, the Dempster Fibre Line will close the Canada North Fibre Loop – a 4,000-kilometre network operated by Northwestel – that will provide northern communities a redundancy loop. This loop will help ensure internet and cellular services to remain operational in the event of a disruption.

With the construction phase of the project now complete, the territory is one step closer to having more reliable telecommunications, further ensuring that northern communities have access to digital services that meet their needs. The next step is handing the line over to Northwestel. Over the coming months, Northwestel will continue to perform commissioning work before officially connecting the line to the network and bringing it into operation. The line is expected to come into service in December 2024.

In 2024, the final year of construction, efforts were focused on essential activities in the communities of Dawson, Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic and Inuvik. Key connections were established between the fibre optic line and Northwestel buildings along the route.

In addition to funding from the Government of Yukon and Northwestel, the Government of Canada contributed significant financial support to the project. The fibre line crosses the Traditional Territories of eight First Nations and Indigenous groups in the Yukon and Northwest Territories, whose partnership and guidance were crucial to the successful completion of this essential infrastructure.

High-speed internet isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Working with the territorial government and internet service providers, your federal government is bringing high-speed internet to 90.6 per cent of Yukon homes by 2026, and every home in the territory by the end of 2030. In today’s digital world, communities large and small need a reliable internet connection to grow their businesses and access the services they rely on.

Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Gudie Hutchings

Ensuring that northern communities have access to high-speed internet is a necessity in our increasingly digital world. The construction of new fibre technology and additional network infrastructure will soon connect hundreds of homes and businesses with family, friends, customers and essential services. This network will get us one step closer to connecting all Canadians to high-speed internet.

Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser

The Dempster Fibre Line demonstrates our government’s commitment to advancing telecommunications in the North. Once commissioned, it will not only boost the Yukon’s digital ecosystem and connectivity but also provide a crucial second redundant route for internet service, helping protect against disruptions like those faced this summer. This project showcases the hard work and expertise of all those involved, as well as the essential collaboration with First Nations and Indigenous groups along the route. Our government is grateful for the dedicated work undertaken by ROHL Global Networks, Northwestel and all the people who contributed to making the Dempster Fibre Line a reality.

Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke

The completion of the Dempster Fibre Line project is a landmark achievement for northern Canada, underscoring the essential role of resilient telecommunication infrastructure in empowering communities and driving economic development. This project is distinguished not only by its successful implementation across vast and remote ecologically sensitive regions but also by its steadfast adherence to Canada's highest cultural and environmental standards. It sets a new benchmark for future infrastructure projects, particularly in its meaningful and substantial inclusion of Indigenous participation. The invaluable contributions of Indigenous employees, businesses and leaders from the Traditional Territories along the Fiber Line’s route were instrumental to the project's success. ROHL is proud to have partnered with the Yukon government, Indigenous People, and residents across the Yukon and Northwest Territories to realize this visionary project!

ROHL Global Networks CEO Hans Bongers

Today marks an important milestone towards closing the Canada North Fibre Loop. Once the Yukon government’s Dempster Fibre Line is in operation, the North will enjoy a redundant ring of fibre connectivity, which will bring more protection to Northerners from service disruptions. I’d like to congratulate the Yukon government and all those involved in the construction of the Dempster Valley Fibre Line. Northwestel is proud to have contributed $15 million to this project and will continue our work with our partners as quickly as possible to commission, test and connect the line to our fibre-powered network. I speak for the 500-plus northern team members at Northwestel when I say we are honoured to operate and maintain this 4,000-kilometre fibre network that crosses so many traditional Indigenous territories and keeps our northern communities connected.

Northwestel President Curtis Shaw

Quick facts 
  • This project is funded by the Government of Canada through its Connect to Innovate Program and Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, as well as investments from the Government of Yukon and Northwestel.

  • Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in funding for public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

  • The Connect to Innovate (CTI) Program supported the Dempster Fibre Line project with an investment of $30 million. This $585 million program has improved connectivity in over 1,000 rural, remote and Indigenous communities to date, which has exceeded the target of 975. The Government of Canada is also investing over $28.9 million through the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

  • ROHL Global Networks was awarded the construction contract for the Fibre Line in 2021 and has provided employment and training opportunities to First Nation and Indigenous Citizens in communities along the line’s route. The fibre line crosses the Traditional Territories of:

    • Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in;
    • the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun;
    • the Vuntut Gwichin First Nation;
    • Ehdiitat Gwich'in Council;
    • Gwichya Gwich'in Council;
    • Tetlit Gwich'in Council;
    • Nihtat Gwich'in Council; and
    • Gwich'in Tribal Council.
  • Various installation methods have been used for the Dempster Fibre Line project, each tailored to specific terrain encountered along the line’s route.

    • Eighty-nine per cent was embedded below the ground surface.
    • seven per cent was installed using horizontal directional drilling primarily for traversing wetlands and rivers.
    • Less than two per cent was mounted on existing power poles, mostly in and around communities.
    • Just over one per cent was affixed to new poles in areas where environmental conditions prevented the installation of horizontal directional drilling underground.
Media contact 

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]

 

Brittany Cross
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-332-4601
[email protected]

 

Micaal Ahmed
Communications Manager
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
343-598-3920
[email protected]

 

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
[email protected]

 

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
[email protected]

News release #: 
24-383