Facts about the Monkman Pass Highway Project, Third Part

IT IS URGED:

1. Without the assurance of a coast outlet, the settlement of the Peace River territory would never have been accomplished. Construction on what was to be a through line of the C.N.R. through Whitecourt was already under way when settlers came over the 270 miles from Edson and the 500 miles by way of Slave Lake and Athabasca.

2. Repeated promises that this outlet would be constructed as soon as financially possible have supported all further settlement and development. Project after project of less real importance is being financed and this outlet is still denied.

3. At present the Peace River is considered the most remote from markets, and transportation the most costly of any district in Canada. With its proper outlet, it would be one of the closest.

4. An outlet is essential to any further development. Any increase in population must be on the wooded or sub-marginal lands. This is impossible if to the cost of clearing and of building up the poorer soil must be added the existing handicap of transportation.

5. The tourist situation is unfair. To support what is becoming one of the greatest industries in Canada, the government is spending greater sums each year. We are paying our share of this burden, but are denied any possible chance of benefit.

By the comparatively trifling expenditure on this connecting link of 150 miles, enormous tourist opportunities would be offered of benefit not only to the Peace River Country but to the whole Dominion.