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River road blocked

Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Aug 18/06) - A barricade placed on the access road to the east channel of the Mackenzie River has some residents feeling kicked to the curb.

Engine repairman Wayne Watkins said he first noticed the road was closed last week when he went out to walk his dogs.

NNSL Photo/graphic

Wayne Watkins stands in front of a barricade on the access road to the Mackenzie River. The private route has been used by the public for many years. Some residents of Inuvik are upset the road was blocked last week. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"I use this road all the time, to walk my two dogs in peace so they can run around," said Watkins.

The access road is near the end of Navy Road, which approaches a gravel deposit. Past the blockade is an open area used year-round by dog mushers to train their animals.

"I help some of the dog mushers run their dogs out here, and we go out on the ice from here too," said Watkins.

Town of Inuvik development officer Bill Rogers said the road runs across private property but there is a nearby strip of commissioner's land.

"The town recognizes the importance of that access road and are asking the company if the barricade can be removed," said Rogers.

A federal dock is located at the end of the now blocked access road.

"Why would the feds own a dock and not have access to it themselves?" asked Watkins.

John Picek is the regional superintendent for the territorial government's municipal and community affairs office.

Picek said the dock belongs to the federal government, although it's leased to a private company.

Harvey Hurst is another longtime resident who wanted answers from the town about the barricade.

"It is a widely used road that shouldn't be blocked," said Hurst.

Calls to the company that owns the land and road were not returned before press time.