Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Providence (June 17/05) - The proposed Deh Cho bridge was constructed before everyone's eyes in Fort Providence on June 7 - on video, at least.

The Bridge Corporation debuted its fully-edited $50,000 DVD project for 50 residents at the community hall.

The 23-minute video produced by a Calgary company featured a computer-generated look at the $60 million bridge and how it will be pieced together. The formation of the Mackenzie River according to Dene legend and the history of the highway are also included.

After watching the presentation, band member Gabriel Minoza said he's delighted at the prospect of a Deh Cho bridge.

"It's unbelievable. I thought I would never see the day," said a grinning Minoza. Rita Squirrel, also a band member, said the bridge will bring employment, money and attract tourists.

But she fears that a permanent link between Yellowknife and the south will also make it possible for drugs to be transported at all hours.

Transportation and Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Michael McLeod said the bridge will be proof that P-3 projects - public-private partnerships - can work. The bridge will be a symbol of "confidence in ourselves" and a message to Canada that the Dene and Metis can do business, said McLeod.

Although there has been talk of constructing a Mackenzie River span for 30 years, "you guys are the ones who are doing it," said Premier Joe Handley.

Michael Vandell, president of the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation, noted that permits from regulatory boards still haven't been issued.

He said once quarry permits are in place, it's hoped that gravel will be hauled to the bridge site by fall. Four concrete piers will be poured next summer and the final four the following summer, said Vandell. The bridge will be open before Christmas 2007, he predicted.

Ae The Deh Cho Bridge Corporation, wholly owned by the Fort Providence Dene and Metis, has a central role in designing, financing, constructing and ownership of the bridge.

After 35 years, the GNWT will take possession of the span.

Tolls on commercial traffic are expected to generate a net profit of $260,000 in the first year of operation, according to Bridge Corporation president Michael Vandell. As the debt is paid down over five years, profits should start to approach $1 million, he said.