Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 28/04) - The fate of squatters living along Highway 3 remains uncertain despite next year's deadline for completion of highway improvements that may move the road farther away or right on top of them.

Brenda Becker, manager of land administration for the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, said she is uncertain how many squatters live on Highway 3 between Yellowknife and Rae-Edzo.

Squatters aren't the only group facing an uncertain future. At least six homes are on legitimate leases obtained from INAC. Becker said she isn't sure what will happen with them either.

"There's nothing in the lease that guarantees them access," said Becker, noting, however, that leasees do have some protection against removal or alterations to their properties.

"They still have to go to the (GNWT Department of Transportation) to get a permit to access the highway. It really doesn't have anything to do with us at that point."

Transportation Minister Michael McLeod, who was on Highway 3 last Thursday for a ceremony re-announcing $6.3 million in federal funding to complete road improvements, isn't certain what will happen to the squatters.

"It's probably a concern other departments will have to look at," said McLeod.

Wayne Langenhan, who does hold a lease on a property alongside the highway, said he isn't too concerned about the highway improvement plans.

He said he was told the new road will move about 10 feet onto his property.

As for the squatters, he thinks they have lots to lose.

"They're going to miss the boat when the road goes through, but they shouldn't be out there anyway," said Langenhan.

"The main reason we bought the lease is because we thought the squatters would be moved out."