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Chief Alec Sunrise of K'atlodeeche First Nation stands near where the ice road is created each winter between Hay River and the Hay River Reserve. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

For the past month or so, the First Nation has been conducting a survey of band members on the reserve to determine support for a span across the Hay River.

Chief Alec Sunrise said, so far, only one person on the reserve has objected to the idea while the band council is behind the concept.

"There is a lot more traffic now," he noted.

A bridge directly across the river would cut the driving time between the two communities down to a minute or two, he said, adding, "The bridge would be our connection to the town."

The existing Pine Point Bridge on the south side of Hay River means a 15-minute, one-way drive.

A more direct route would mean faster response times for police and ambulance services based in Hay River.

While the reserve has its own fire department, Hay River firefighters also occasionally respond to calls on the reserve. In the winter, an ice road cuts directly across the river.

Hay River Mayor Jean-Marc Miltenberger is a supporter of a direct bridge.

"I think it's a great idea and something that should be pursued," he said.