New road proposed for the north

paNOW Staff

Discussions about a new highway for Northern Saskatchewan have started.
The provincial government submitted a proposal to the federal government to build a 51 kilometre all-weather road to would link Cameco's Cigar Lake and McArthur River mine sites.
The highway would provide a more efficient travel route to mines operated by Cameco and others in northern Saskatchewan.
Right now heavy trucks drive long distances to transport goods in the region.
The proposal has the support of Cameco who say it would benefit them and spur future economic development in the region.
“It might accelerate new mine development in the area,” said Murray Lyons, a spokesman for the mining company.
Lyons said there would also be an immediate benefit to nearby communities.
“(They) would gain from improved transportation links — especially a better road network … to reduce the cost of hauling goods to both businesses and communities up there,” he said.
The province said it is looking at attracting funding partnerships with industry and the federal government in the event the project goes ahead.
It’s a conversation Cameco is interested in having, said Lyons.
“We’re prepared to talk to the province about how we might be partners.”
The project is subject to comprehensive study.
An outline of the proposal is now before several northern communities for review.
The feedback collected would be used by the provincial government to develop an environmental impact statement.
bbosker@panow.com