Walking on the ice of the Great Bear Lake in the N.W.T. is a truly unforgettable experience. It is simply one of Canada’s most breathtaking (and also largest) lakes. However, it is also facing challenges.

On my most recent trip to the lake, the sound of the ice cracking underfoot was pronounced. This sound was both unnerving and prompted reflection upon the future of this lake as a vital winter route.

In winter, the ice thickens to bear weights of up to 60,000 kilograms. At this thickness, the ice enables the transportation of essential supplies to isolated communities. The town of Délı̨nę, N.W.T., is especially dependent upon these icy highways.

Situated 544 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife, Délı̨nę lacks permanent road access. Instead, each winter, hundreds of transport trucks rely on the frozen lake to deliver critical supplies like food, fuel and household goods. This seasonal ice road is indispensable, serving as the community’s only reliable supply route during the northern winter.

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However, climate change has made these routes increasingly unpredictable, threatening public safety, infrastructure and the economy. Moreover, as extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, understanding their impact on ice roads is........

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