Mr. Speaker, I have a return to Written Question 52-15(5) asked by Mr. Yakeleya on February 21st, 2007, to the Honourable Kevin Menicoche, Minister of Transportation, related to Sahtu region roads and bridges. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Yakeleya on February 21, 2007, related to Sahtu region roads and bridges.
- Can the Minister outline a concrete plan that shows how the Sahtu winter roads will improve road access, including safety and maintenance?
Construction of bridges at winter road stream crossings allows for an earlier road opening and reduces temporary road closures due to overflow or other impassable conditions. Bridges also mitigate environmental issues caused by dumping debris into the stream or by freezing the creeks down to the streambeds. Road alignment and grade improvements enhance safety by reducing gradients, improving curve radii and increasing sight distances for road users. By 2008-09, under the current Canada strategic infrastructure fund, the department will have invested $41 million in the winter road. These improvements are also being complemented by the installation of additional warning and information signage and highway patrols. The department has also restructured the winter road construction and maintenance contracts to increase the base level of effort and to allow industry to contribute to the winter road to address their needs.
- When does the department plan to meet with Sahtu leaders to report on the details for approving winter roads?
I am available to meet with Sahtu leaders to discuss winter roads at a time mutually convenient for all parties. I would also like to highlight that my officials will be travelling to Sahtu communities this spring and fall to consult on our proposed plans for grade improvements. It may also be good to meet once the details of new federal infrastructure funding expected in the March federal budget is known.
- What offices outside the Sahtu region have Transportation responsibilities like the Mackenzie Valley winter road and marine services?
Regional offices in Inuvik and Fort Simpson provide seasonal support to all Department of Transportation activities in the Sahtu region. This includes winter roads, airports, community access roads and community marine programs. These duties are split between the two offices. The department also has a district airport manager and staff located in Norman Wells that support the department's activities as required.
- When will the Sahtu bridges be completed?
Thirty-two bridges have been constructed to date along the Mackenzie Valley winter road. Over the next two fiscal years, another five bridges are proposed for construction. These include Little Smith Creek, Big Smith Creek, Bob's Canyon Creek, Strawberry Creek and Blackwater River. At the end of the 2008-09 fiscal year, it is anticipated that only three bridges will remain to be completed. These three include the Great Bear River Bridge, Bosworth Creek and Jackfish Creek. Their completion will be subject to the availability of additional funding.
- What is the Minister of Transportation's strategy to develop the Mackenzie Valley road to support the Mackenzie gas pipeline?
The need for a Mackenzie Valley road in support of the Mackenzie gas pipeline has been highlighted in a number of department documents including, most recently, the Connecting Canada funding proposal. The issue of how an all-weather road could support pipeline development and/or future follow-on oil and gas activity has also been brought up in political discussions involving the Prime Minister, various federal Ministers and the pipeline proponent. The involvement of the federal government is required to make this road a reality. The GNWT may be in a better position to consider investing in this road, if devolution and revenue resource sharing were to become reality. In the meantime, the department continues to work with the pipeline proponent to ensure road alignment and pipeline crossings and conflicts are minimized.