CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Playing a key role in the development of the world’s longest heavy-haul winter road, John Zigarlick was recognized by Canada’s transportation community.

The Vancouver resident is director and chairman of the Nuna Group of Companies and was presented the Awarded of Achievement as part of the 2006 Canadian Transportation Awards.

The awards program recognizes leadership, excellence and achievement in all modes and segments of the transportation sector. It comprises three awards: Transportation Person of the Year, Award of Excellence and Award of Achievement.

“I am pleased to honour this year’s winners, who have shown a strong commitment and exceptional dedication to the transportation sector throughout their careers,” said Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Lawrence Cannon. “These awards recognize the outstanding contribution Canadians make to improve the safety, security, sustainability and efficiency of Canadian transportation every day.”

The awards were presented at the closing banquet of the Transportation Association of Canada’s annual conference in Charlottetown, which was held from Sept. 17 to 20.

The Award of Achievement is offered to an individual who has achieved positive and measurable improvements of significant and enduring benefit to transportation through innovation and initiative on a particular project or program.

Zigarlick received this award for the development of the concept for the Tibbit to Contwoyto Winter Road. Located in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the route, which is about 565 kilometres long, covers a multitude of frozen lakes and overland segments.

During the past 20 years, he has advanced the safety of the road, the science behind its construction and its operating rules. Prior to forming Nuna in 1993, a group of companies that provide logistical, construction, transportation and mining services to the mining industry in Northern Canada, Zigarlick spent 21 years with Echo Bay Mines, including 16 years as president and CEO.

“The Transportation Association of Canada is proud to recognize the achievements of today’s pioneers and leaders in the transportation industry,” said Russell Neudorf, president of the Transportation Association of Canada. “This awards program supports our mission of promoting safe, secure, efficient and environmentally and financially sustainable transportation services in support of Canada’s social and economic goals.”

The Award of Excellence was bestowed upon the late Jennie Howie, director of Yukon’s Transport Services Branch. She worked in many areas of the Yukon Government, including the Executive Council Office and Transport Services, where her responsibilities included weigh station management, commercial vehicle safety regulation and general highway safety.

The Transportation Person of the Year was awarded to John Crichton, president and CEO of NAV CANADA, for his contributions to the air transportation industry throughout his career.