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Overview

The Canol Trail is a 355-kilometre historic route that follows the path of a World War II-era pipeline used to transport oil from Norman Wells to Whitehorse. After it was decommissioned, it left behind a legacy of infrastructure, environmental impacts and cultural significance.

In 1973, the Government of Canada transferred responsibility for a small portion of the Canol Trail (Miles 0-8) to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).

In recent years, the GNWT has studied the area to understand what is on the site. We sampled soil, surface water and groundwater; we have looked at contamination and physical hazards to determine risks to people and the environment in this section of the trail. Findings were shared with community members at public information sessions in Tulita and Norman Wells in June 2025.

The next step is to determine the best approach to remediation, but first, the GNWT wants to hear about what’s important to the public, whether that includes reducing risks to human and environmental health, preserving heritage and land use, and other priorities.