Yellowknife (Feb 02/04) - Stable growth is what the North needs as mining, oil and transportation issues gain steam.

That was the message Marvin Robinson, president of RTL Robinson Enterprises had during an interview on the construction industry and development in the North.

Marvin Robinson, president of RTL Robinson Enterprises, spoke out recently on the development of the North, including the proposed bridge for the Mackenzie River.

"My feelings on development throughout the North haven't changed. I think we should make sure we have a stable growth period so that we don't end up with the years where we're busy-busy and then absolutely nothing," he said.

Robinson said there is no doubt the emergence of the diamond mining industry has been a good thing for the North, but he adds diamonds aren't the only resource available to the Northern mining industry.

"We are seeing the gold prices come back to where they used to be and there is some new gold activity redeveloping. As well, some of the gold mines in existence reopened," he said.

Robinson, along with his brothers Donny and Rick, run the largest construction company in the North. Robinson said RTL looks for slow steady growth -- controlled growth.

"It brings the most stable financial environment," he said.

Still, controlling growth over the next few years is going to be difficult, said Robinson.

The construction industry leader cited BHP, Diavik, Snap Lake, the Mackenzie River Pipeline and the Mackenzie River bridge as engines for future growth.

"Those projects should involve a lot of Northern contractors and pipeline workers over the next four or five years," said Robinson.

Robinson also said it's time for the Mackenzie River bridge to be built.

"I've got a lot of opinions about that bridge. Since we first moved here a lot of people have been canvassing for the bridge, but with the volumes of traffic we have reached, we're at the stage where more focus should be put on that," said Robinson.

At the same time, Robinson admits to some mixed feelings over the bridge.

"For the people that live here year round, even after the toll, they'll find it will bring some efficiencies that the grocery stores will likely be able to save money on," he said.

"The propane company has to store large tank farms to weather them through the season when we can't haul across the Mackenzie. They won't really need that any more. For the seasonal users it will definitely have an impact on them because they currently use the ice crossing or the ferry.

"In some cases where they don't have to pay anything, when it comes time in December and April, they'll see a slight savings, but in general it will have an impact on them. I hope it won't have such a large impact that we will price some of the new-low grade mines out of the market," he said.

Robinson pointed at the federal and territorial government for under-funding the project.

"It really is a sad thing. Highways have been built all over this country, funded by the government. Millions are being spent on bridges every year, funded by the federal and provincial governments and yet we need to turn to toll on our one large bridge project," he said.