Weighing Pros And Cons Of All-Weather Roads

Weighing Pros And Cons Of All-Weather Roads

Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 13:57

A leader from the Athabasca Basin is confident all the benefits of an all-weather road network in the Far North will far outweigh any negative things it might bring.

Now that the provincial government has announced it’s ready to proceed on the long-awaited project, some are concerned a permanent road link to the south will increase the presence of drugs and alcohol in Athabasca communities.

There are also those who worry about the caribou population and the increased access to the herds for poachers or hunters from the south.

Prince Albert Grand Council northern vice chief Don Deranger says there are always pros and cons to any venture.

However, he feels the Athabasca people have the ability to come up with innovative solutions to any new problems that come up — including increased crime.

Deranger is also confident the existing caribou management board won’t allow the caribou herds to be threatened.