1979
Historical Photos
Dempster Highway
On August 18 1979 the Dempster Highway from Dawson City to Inuvik was officially opened. In this photo L to R - RNWMP costume; Chris Pearson, Gov't leader; Ione Christensen, Commissioner; Erik Nielsen, Member of Parliament; Dempster relatives; RCMP; Jake Epp, Minister of Northern Development; Inspector Ron Pettit; Chief Spt. Harry Nixon, Aide de Camp.
The Highway leaves the Klondike Highway about 25 miles before Dawson City. It crosses the Peel River by ferry near Fort McPherson and the Arctic Red River. In Winter ice bridges are built. From Dawson City to Inuvik is 456 miles (733km).
Under Prime Minister Diefenbaker the concept of "Road to Resources" was inaugurated with the Dempster Highway starting in 1959 and completed in 1978.