BAKER LAKE - The location of a public access road to the Kiggavik mine site was the big topic of discussion at an open house sponsored by Areva Resources in Baker Lake this past month.

Kiggavik community liaison committee chair John Nukik looks at options for a mining road during Areva's Kiggavik open house in Baker Lake this past month as translator Percy Tutanuaq looks on. - photo courtesy of Barry McCallum

Areva manager of Nunavut affairs Barry McCallum said the open house was held to hear community opinion on road options before the company makes a proposal for the environmental assessment process.

He said about 175 people signed the company guest book during the event.

"We did a series of workshops and everyone had a chance to share their thoughts on road options," said McCallum.

"It was our last community-engagement initiative for 2009 and we're, probably, going to visit the rest of the region in the new year.

"We tend to start with Baker and go to the rest of the Kivalliq after that.

"The road options are Baker-specific, so we'll be going to the other communities to give them an update on what we last heard and what we're doing with that information."

There are three options for the proposed road to the mine site.

There's a north all-season road which would start in Baker and cross the Thelon River, a winter road, and a south all-season option which would start across the lake from the community.

McCallum said the preference voiced at the open house was the north all-season road across the Thelon, which is the option the community would get the most use from.

He said Areva is proposing to allow controlled access to any of the three.

"We're responsible for safety, so we have to maintain controls on the road, which is access with qualifiers.

"Essentially, it would be the same as what you see on the Meadowbank road.

"Most people would like to see the road start in Baker Lake, which would give more access, and an all-season road would provide that access for a greater portion of the year."

Areva is still waiting to hear Ottawa's decision on the recommendation for an environmental assessment on the uranium mine put forward in March 2009 by the Nunavut Impact Review Board.

McCallum said it's up to the Northern Affairs minister to decide the process.

He said Areva's consultation activities this winter are hinging on whether the minister makes a decision.

"We're waiting to have a process to follow and, until then, doing things in anticipation of what that process might be.

"We're continuing with our information sessions because it's good to talk to the community and keep everyone updated, but we won't have a clear path to follow until the minister decides what that is."