Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Providence (Aug 11/00) - A $45-million proposal to build a bridge across the Mackenzie River is being considered by community leaders in Fort Providence.

Deh Gah Got'ie Chief Ron Bonnetrouge said discussions are only in the preliminary stage, but it could greatly benefit the hamlet.

"We're looking for something for us. We want to own this thing," he said, adding it would take a year-and-a-half to complete the bridge, which would be constructed near the ferry crossing.

"I don't know what elaborate financing scheme we'll have, but it will have to be in our favour."

The idea of a bridge has been thrown around many times before, but Deh Cho MLA Michael McLeod called this project "very realistic."

"I think it's doable," he said. "It's very practical and technology has brought the cost down considerably."

A meeting between community leaders and an NWT consulting company was held in late July. The combined council alliance, which includes the hamlet mayor, Dene council chief and Metis Local president, met during the first week of August to further discuss the topic.

If the project proceeds, the public will be consulted, according to a joint press release by Fort Providence community leaders.

"Right now all they (the community leaders) are doing is looking at the whole concept," McLeod said, adding that other consulting companies are being approached as well.

"It's still in the real early stages ... we're just exploring the whole avenue so I don't want to give you numbers and all this technical stuff right now."

The bulk of the price tag would likely be covered by private investors, McLeod said.

"That's where we'd like to go," he said. "We'd be seeking government support, of course ... (but) I don't want the government to jump in and take it over. We want to stay in the driver's seat on this project."

Improvements in technology, environmental threats from the ice road -- such as the diesel tanker that broke through the ice last winter -- and interest from diamond companies operating north of Yellowknife are all combining to make the bridge more of a feasible concept, McLeod said.

Bonnetrouge added the bridge itself would have to comply with environmental standards.

More details on the venture should be available sometime during the fall, according to McLeod.