SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
NWT MP Michael McLeod has confirmed the territorial government has formally applied for funding for the Mackenzie Valley Highway project and the Tlicho all-weather road project.

NWT MP Michael McLeod, left, talks road funding with Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely at the Northern Aboriginal Business Association luncheon on April 6 in Yellowknife. - John McFadden/NNSL photo

He shared that information with News/North prior to the Northern Aboriginal Business Association (NABA) luncheon at the Elk's Club on April 6. The territorial government is asking for $525 million to complete the Mackenzie Valley Highway between Wrigley and Norman Wells, according to Department of Transportation spokesperson Nick Hurst. The GNWT would pitch in $175 million.

The department's estimate for the Tlicho road is about $150 million.

"It is under consideration. It's being reviewed. It hasn't been rejected, yet," said McLeod of the funding request. "It's up against a lot of other projects right across Canada that are being considered at the same time."

Details of Tlicho road project

The Tlicho all-weather road would allow Whati, Wekweeti and Gameti to be road-linked to the rest of the territory year-round, which would help reduce the high costs in that region, particularly of groceries.

McLeod's brother Premier Bob McLeod said there is a third road the territorial government wants to see built with help from the feds.

"We are working in conjunction with the Nunavut Government to build a road from Grays Bay, (160 kilometres east of Kugluktuk), to the Slave Geological Province (diamond mine region)," the premier said. "We see them (the roads) as strategic infrastructure developments that will facilitate future development . which is the best way to reduce the cost of living."

Danny McNeely, the MLA for the Sahtu, said the Mackenzie Valley Highway project is critical to the people he represents.

"A large portion of that road . is within the Sahtu jurisdiction," McNeely said.

"With the road comes the benefits like a reduction in the price of groceries. You can just go to the store and see the prices on the shelves. That will give you an indication of how important the road is to the people of the Sahtu."

Mike Bradshaw, executive director of the NWT Chamber of Commerce, said the roads the GNWT wants to see built are critical to the economic health of the territory.

"We've been supportive of the transportation department's strategic plan for both the projects for several years," Bradshaw said. "The best way to take care of social investment is to have a successful economy so that you have dollars to reinvest in social programs and community well-being. Right now we don't have that. We need to get the economy kick-started."

Thom Jarvis, business services officer for the NWT Metis-Dene Development Fund Ltd., said the two road projects are music to his ears.

"Infrastructure investment and development can provide opportunities for our clients - smaller to mid-sized aboriginal-owned construction firms and supplying outfits," Jarvis said. "There is a lot of opportunity and revenue generated from (transportation) projects in particular. A bit of good news right now will go a long way."