Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Significance of the Establishment of Ice Roads in the Northwest Territories
News Release
Commemorative plaque honours a vital transportation system in Canada’s North
July 7, 2016 Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Parks Canada Agency
Today, Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) commemorated the historic significance of the establishment of ice roads in the Northwest Territories by unveiling a commemorative plaque at a ceremony in Rotary Park, Yellowknife.
The commemoration celebrates the contribution of ice roads to transportation and the economic development of Canada’s North. The construction and use of engineered ice roads have been critical to the development of many regions in the far North, especially the Northwest Territories. Since the advent of the Second World War, these routes have been used to provide cost-effective ground transportation, not only for the necessities of life but also for heavy equipment that could only be moved otherwise by transport aircraft at a more prohibitive cost. Ice roads established a phenomenon of winter transportation that constitutes a long-standing tradition in Canadian history.
As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government invites all Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our history. Canada’s national parks and national historic sites enable Canadians to experience their heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased to recognize the remarkable contribution of ice roads in the Northwest Territories to the economic development of the North and the history of Canada.”
- Michael McLeod
Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places and events that contributed to our country’s rich history and heritage.
-
The ice roads in the Northwest Territories are a vital transportation system that have strengthened regional economic development and, by providing the only land link to many communities during the winter, have also greatly improved the quality of life in Canada’s North.
- Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas belong to all Canadians. They represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell the stories of who we are, including the history, cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples.
- Created in 1919, the HSMBC advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history.
Related products
Related links
Contacts
Tim Gauthier
Partnering, Engagement and Communications Officer
Southwest Northwest Territories Field Unit
Parks Canada
867-872-7957
Tim.gauthier@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada
1-855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
Search for related information by keyword
Hon. Catherine McKenna Parks Canada Information and Communications
Page details
- Date modified: