Fort Simpson (July 23/04) - For the first time in eight years, Les Shaw won't be able to tell everyone when the ferry will be shutting down or when the ice bridge will be ready to open.

That's because he won't be here.

Next Thursday, Shaw will be retiring as superintendent of transportation for the Deh Cho. Since 1997, he has fielded countless phone calls regarding the status of the ferries, ice crossings and winter roads.

"Constructing all the winter roads and getting them in (place) in a timely fashion that suits everybody's needs was pretty tough to do," he said, laughing. "I'm going to miss all that stuff. It's very enjoyable doing it, especially when you get a good handle on it. It's like anything you take charge of or ownership of, you like to do a good job of it. There's a certain amount of pride involved."

Shaw, who oversaw a staff of 18, has seen some major improvements in local infrastructure over his eight-year tenure. The road from Fort Simpson to the Liard junction was chip-sealed. As well, the winter road system benefitted from the installation of several bridges.

Although he won't be here to tackle it, Shaw said the biggest challenge that lies ahead for NWT transportation is minimizing impacts from industry, especially from construction of a pending pipeline.

"You want to enhance your system if they're going to use it," Shaw explained. "But I've been to a lot of meetings with (industry representatives) and they're very sensitive to that. I'm pretty sure it will all work out for everybody."

Prior to taking the job in Fort Simpson, Shaw served as assistant regional superintendent and marine manager in Inuvik for a combined eight years.

There is a chance he will return to the NWT. He said he's going to be doing some consulting work for an established firm, and some of those projects are pipeline related.

When he's not working, he plans to spend more time with his children and grandchildren.

"And a bit of golf here and there," he said.

Gerald Perron will be acting Deh Cho superintendent of transportation.