Stantec has been awarded a $1.5 million contract for the design and engineering work on the Dempster Fibre Project, an approximately 800-kilometre fibre optic line that will link Dawson City and Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Stantec will be responsible for engineering and design services for the installation as well as providing technical expertise and construction administration.
The new line will connect Yukon to the existing Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link in the Northwest Territories. This will give communities along the network access to a redundant line in the event of a service disruption. It will also enhance participation of Yukoners, and Northerners more broadly, in the digital economy while improving access to government services.
The Government of Yukon has also begun consultations with affected First Nations and Indigenous groups. Regulatory submissions are expected to take place later this spring.
The Dempster Fibre Project will connect communities across the North and make them more resilient. We are pleased to be working with a local company to advance this project to the next stage.
Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn
The Dempster Fibre Project is being funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon and Northwestel.
The Government of Yukon will own the line while Northwestel will lease and operate it for the next 20 years.
As a redundant network the Dempster Fibre Line will also improve internet reliability for other northern communities that tie into the line remotely.
The design contract award follows the selection of Hemmera in December 2018 as the permitting consultant. Hemmera is assisting the government with the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board and Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board regulatory processes.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Meredith McDonald
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-667-3146
meredith.mcdonald@gov.yk.ca