November 08, 2001

As part of its commitment to improving access to remote communities under the province's Northern Development Strategy, Steve Ashton, minister of transportation and government services, has announced that Manitoba is funding a $100,000 study to explore routes for improved winter road access to five northern First Nation communities.

The communities of Manto Sipi Cree Nation, Gods Lake First Nation, Gods Lake Narrows, Oxford House First Nation and Norway House Cree Nation have signed a partnering agreement with the province and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to study alternative routes for a new winter road. The partners will prepare a report identifying the location for a new Hayes River winter road which will run from PR 373 near Sea Falls to Oxford House, Gods River and Gods Lake.

"These communities have raised a number of concerns over the limited access provided by the current winter road route," said Ashton. "This route is only open for about eight to 10 weeks on average each year due to numerous water crossings. We are hopeful an alternative route will expand this access significantly."

"This partnership will give the First Nation communities an excellent opportunity to address environmental concerns," Eric Robinson, minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs, said. "The process will also enable each community to have direct input on the most sustainable route for this road."

Under the agreement, the five communities will choose a preferred route. Manitoba, in consultation with INAC and the communities, will examine the proposal to determine feasibility and estimate construction costs. The proposed route may be adjusted by the province and the communities to arrive at the best selection possible.

The agreement permits the province to access all First Nation land and involves the communities in applying for the required environmental licences. The completed report will go through a series of community and government reviews before finalization of the route.

"Access to our provincial transportation system, even on a seasonal basis, is a priority for many northern and remote Manitoba communities," said Ashton. "This partnership brings the communities and government together to develop a viable new route that will have a greater value to the northern residents."

Once the new route has been agreed upon, Manitoba will undertake the necessary surveying, mapping and geotechnical exploration. Subject to environmental review and approval, the report should be available for community review by early December with the final report submitted early in the new year.

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