by Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, August 14, 2008

K’atlodeeche/Hay River Reserve - The idea of a bridge directly connecting Hay River and the Hay River Reserve is being revived by K’atlodeeche First Nation.

For the past month or so, the First Nation has been conducting a survey of band members on the reserve to determine support for a span across the Hay River. Chief Alec Sunrise said, so far, only one person on the reserve has objected to the idea. Sunrise said he and band council are behind the concept.

"There is a lot more traffic now," he noted.

A bridge directly across the river would cut the driving time between the two communities down to a minute or two.

"The bridge would be our connection to the town," Sunrise said.

The existing Pine Point Bridge on the south side of Hay River means a 15-minute, one-way drive between the reserve and town. A more direct route would mean faster response times for police and ambulance services based in Hay River. While the reserve has its own fire department, Hay River firefighters also occasionally respond to calls on the reserve.

Sunrise said a new bridge would also cut down on the wear and tear on vehicles using the unpaved access road to the reserve, which has a population of about 300 people. In the winter, an ice road cuts directly across the river.

Hay River Mayor Jean-Marc Miltenberger is a supporter of a direct bridge.

"I think it’s a great idea and something that should be pursued," he said.

Miltenberger said such a bridge would benefit both sides of the river. For example, he said it would allow the town and the reserve to more easily share infrastructure. Sunrise said, once the survey is completed, the band council will decide on its next move.

The council has not yet proposed where a bridge might be built and has not determined how much it would cost or who would pay for it.

"We know it ain’t going to be cheap," Sunrise said. "We are aware of that."

The idea of a direct bridge connection has occasionally been suggested in the past.

"I think in the past it was something that was brought up to the leadership, but past leaders didn’t want to support it," Sunrise added.