Businesses in Hay River, Northwest Territories, are getting ready to welcome a trade mission from Yellowknife on July 10, 2026. The event, put together by the Town of Hay River, the Hay River Chamber of Commerce, and the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, aims to connect local firms with opportunities tied to major federal spending on Arctic sovereignty.
The trade mission will show off Hay River’s strengths in logistics, transportation, manufacturing, and service industries. With over $40 billion in federal investments announced for the North in March 2026, including more than $35 billion in direct federal money, the town wants to make sure its businesses are in line for the work. Both Yellowknife and Inuvik are expected to see defence spending of $5 billion or more over the next 15 years, and Hay River is positioning itself as a key support hub for those projects.
Hay River is already a critical link for shipping in the North. It is home to the head office, main terminal, and shipyards for Marine Transportation Services, the territorial barge operator. The town’s location makes it the starting point for water shipments heading down the Mackenzie River and into the Arctic islands. One challenge is the CN Rail line from Enterprise to Hay River, a 30-kilometre stretch damaged by wildfire in 2023. CN Rail ended service on that section in 2025, and the territorial government is appealing the decision. Restoring rail would make barge service even more efficient for major projects.
The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce told its members the scale of opportunity requires “strong partnerships, collaboration, and coordinated capacity across the territory.” The federal government also launched a $1 billion Arctic Infrastructure Fund in March 2026, which accepts proposals for transportation projects that serve both defence and civilian needs. That could open doors for Hay River firms.
Registration details for the July 10 trade mission will be available soon. The event is expected to include networking, talks on the regional economy, and visits to local industry sites.
