Editorial Comment - Deh Cho Drum

The territorial and federal government's announcement last Friday of their joint support for a study to examine the feasibility of the Mackenzie Valley Highway is a shot in the arm for a much beloved dream.

Roxanna Thompson Editor: Deh Cho Drum

While many have groaned about another protracted study that won't necessarily end in a concrete action, others see it as a promising move forward.

For decades the idea of an all-weather road up the Mackenzie Valley has been a dream for many residents in the territory including those in the Deh Cho. There is something inherently exciting about the thought of being able to drive up the valley and loop around onto the Dempster Highway. A completed Mackenzie Valley Highway would set a new standard for epic road trips in Canada.

The benefits the road could bring to the Deh Cho can't be underestimated.

An economic study completed by the territorial government last September estimated the jobs the construction and maintenance of the road would create. They included 7,785 one-time jobs and more than 200 long-term jobs. Some of those jobs would unquestionably go to Deh Cho residents if the project moved forward.

Portions of the construction contracts might also go to local companies with the expertise and equipment for road building.

To reach the southern entrance to the highway all traffic would have to go through the Deh Cho. This would mean an increased volume of customers for businesses catering to travellers including gas stations, restaurants, hotels and repair shops.

The key beneficiaries would be Fort Simpson and Wrigley.

Because Fort Simpson already gets a lot of traffic, Wrigley would experience the greatest rise in opportunities. Fuel sales alone would skyrocket as a result of an all-weather highway.

However, the reality check is the three-year study. The study's length coupled with an environmental regulatory process and a search for funds to build the nearly $2 billion road add up to a long wait before the highway is functional.

Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington had a valid point when he said residents don't want a three-year study to bog down potential progress on the highway. The project, however, appears to be moving forward.

Because of the very real benefits the Deh Cho could reap from the highway, leaders and residents in the region need to fully participate in the study and the consultation it will entail. Wherever possible the Deh Cho will need to expedite the study and continue to press the territorial government to prepare for the next steps that will lead to construction.

Now that the highway dream has gained a bit of momentum, the Deh Cho has to make sure it keeps rolling forward right up the valley to Tuktoyaktuk.

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