If you want an example of how a nothern road can be built, you need only look to what Quebec did in the early 70s to open up the James Bay Hydro projects. During a period when there were no environmental assessments requried and little obligation to consult on aboriginal issues, they built a 620km road from Matagami to Radisson in only 420 days. It was built to accomodate heavy vehicles up to 500 tons. I have driven that road, and its great. http://www.jamesbayroad.com/index.html

While the topography may be different on the eastern side of James Bay, it still serves as an example of what can be done when there is the political will. When talking to KWG at PDAC, they argued that their route was the only viable option, and that heavy vehicles needed to truck ore on a season road would destroy it.

The 'duty to consult' on aboriginal issues is now firmly embedded in law and I would think that their preferences on road vs rail are going to be on the negoatiation table. Is there a consensus yet?