Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue of grave concern to a number of my constituents in Hay River North. Mr. Speaker, the issue I refer to is the state of Highway No. 2 leading into Old Town and the West Channel.
Mr. Speaker, the poor condition of Highway No. 2 affects all Hay River North residents as this is the route they use to commute to their jobs in the new town and to avail themselves of all the amenities in the new town.
Mr. Speaker, the condition of this highway is deplorable. Over the last year, I have heard this government's desire to invest large amounts of money to construct and/or repair different highways throughout our Territory.
Mr. Speaker, Hay River is home to one of the loveliest NWT campgrounds, which is located in Old Town on the shores of Great Slave Lake. I know I do not have to remind my colleagues how valuable tourism is to the Northwest Territories economy.
Mr. Speaker, tourists who wish to visit our campground have to travel on Highway No. 2 to get to that campground. Mr. Speaker, in 2000, our territorial campground in Hay River was visited by 2,218 tourists from all across North America and Europe.
Mr. Speaker, NTCL is one of the major employers in Hay River. All NTCL employees are required to use this highway, both in the course of their employment and for their transportation to and from work.
Mr. Speaker, recent statistics of average, annual daily traffic show that Highway No. 2 has the second largest volume of traffic of all NWT highways. In 1999, for example, Highway No. 2, from the West Channel Bridge to West Channel, saw 2,400 vehicles pass over it daily. During peak summer tourist season, from June to August, Highway No. 2 saw 3,000 vehicles pass over it daily. The 1999 statistics are the most current data that is available.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to point out that a large percentage of the heavy trucks that deliver fuel throughout our Territory also have to use this highway to reach the bulk plants to get their loads. Mr. Speaker, this takes a tremendous toll on all the vehicles that travel on this highway that is in disrepair.
Mr. Speaker, I implore this government to take some initiative, recognize that this is a territorial highway, and that the Department of Transportation commit to putting plans in place to undertake the reconstruction of this section of highway. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause