Northerners anxious to travel new winter road

The James Bay Coast may be a little less isolated by the end of this winter. Work is underway on an ice road that would connect Moose Factory with highways in the south.

Peter Wesley, executive director of the Moose Cree First Nation, said the new ice road to the south is creating a buzz in Moose Factory.

"Almost every day I've been receiving inquiries on when it's going to open," he said.

Fuelled by $1 million in provincial and federal funding, crews are currently clearing brush from the 170-kilometre route.

Wesley said they are about halfway done.

"They have to actually cut the road, if you want to call it that," Wesley said. "It's not as simple as the road that goes to the north, where it's just a matter of re-opening the road."

Wesley said he keeps telling would-be travellers that the road should be open by the end of the month.

Boon to business

Down at the other end of the new road, people in Smooth Rock Falls are excited too, according to economic development officer James Bernardi.

"I think the anticipation in the community is that we're going to see an influx of new customers," he said.

Bernardi noted the road also opens up the coast as a new market to businesses in Smooth Rock — and across the Northeast.

The route runs between Moose Factory and the hydro station at Otter Rapids.

From there, it's about a one hour drive down a gravel road to Smooth Rock Falls.

Bernardi said the new road will be a boost to many businesses in Smooth Rock, such as restaurants and grocery stores.

"Food services that we can provide in the community can be broadcasted … to that new market that's coming in from Moosonee."

Bernardi said the new ice road will also allow businesses in the south to do more work on the coast.

The road is expected to be open by the end of the winter.