Yellowknife (Oct 11/06) - The president of a Northern logistics company has received a major national transportation award.

John Zigarlick, of Nuna Logistics, took home the Transportation Association of Canada's award of achievement at a recent banquet held in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

The award recognized Nuna Logistics and Zigarlick's development of the Tibbitt to Contwoyto winter ice road.

While the award was presented to one individual, Zigarlick was quick to acknowledge everyone involved with Nuna Logistics.

"I may head up the company, but this is a team award," he said.

He said he was proud to have received the Canada-wide award as it means "someone is paying attention to the North."

The 568 kilometre Tibbitt-Contwoyto winter road has come a long way since its inception in 1983, he said.

Safety has always been the first and foremost concern, and with a staff of 140 maintaining the road, it continues to be a top priority, according to Zigarlick.

During the first years of operation, only 800 loads moved up the ice road. This year, Zigarlick is predicting between 10,500 to 11,000 loads will move along the corridor.

The ice road, which services the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines along with the developing De Beers Snap Lake project and a number of exploration companies, has broadened in scope, said Zigarlick.

New building techniques have helped to expand to a wider two-lane ice highway, he said.

While advancements have been made to continually improve the ice road, Zigarlick said that Nuna Logistics can only go so far when dealing with nature.

"We are starting to push the window," he said.

Zigarlick remains optimistic that a combination of colder weather and a determined work force can keep the road open longer. A mild winter in 2006 resulted in an abbreviated operating schedule.

"It is a challenge, but it really keeps the adrenaline flowing," he said.

Russell Neudorf, deputy minister with the Department of Transportation and president of the Transportation Association of Canada, said he was pleased to see a Northern company receive a national award.

"I think it says a lot and people are recognizing that there is a transportation system connecting the North," Neudorf said, adding that Nuna Logistics deserved the accolades