Whati NWT411 million $$ is being expended to bring on all season road to a remote community of 500 people who are engaged primarily in hunting and trapping with a bit of seasonal tourism. There has been a functional local airstrip at Whati and a winter road good for 8-9 months of the year. Whati has managed to remain alcohol free because access has been limited and could be controlled. This might change with an all season road and access to the bright lights of Yellowknife.
The NICO mine and property were developed without an all season road 20 years ago. Workers were able to get back and forth from their communities, local and distant. Ditto for the heavy equipment.
Why the road? 400 million is a lot of money. It might bring more problems than good. There is no heavy industry in Whati.