Ice roads to Wollaston Lake would be replaced by the winter road. (Facebook)

By Derek Cornet

Infrastructure Development

Province seeking consultant for potential new winter road to Wollaston Lake

Feb 19, 2020 | 4:22 PM

The provincial government is looking to hire a consultant to provide services for an economic impact study on a proposed winter road to Wollaston Lake from Highway 905.

“We have had over the past few months some promising discussions with First Nations and the federal government on a new plan for the Wollaston Lake road,” Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure spokesperson David Horth said. “The reason we are seeking a consultant is we’re hoping the successful bidder can help us make a business case for some federal government funding.”

Horth mentioned the winter road made from snow would eliminate the need for an ice road and extend vehicle access to Wollaston Lake by one or two months per year. The work would include the removal of a rock cliff, clearing a right of way, grading and the installation of some bridges and culverts over waterways. The economic impact study would include details about infrastructure construction, as well as the local, provincial and federal socioeconomic benefits.

There is no timeline for the construction of the road, Horth said, but it’s part of a three-phase concept. The second phase would include the construction of a seasonal road open for about 10 months of the year and the third phase would be the completion of an all-weather road.

“This is something that’s going to take some time to do,” he said. “This is a movement towards the eventual goal.”

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Horth also talked about the important role northerners play in building, operating and maintaining the existing transportation system in northern Saskatchewan. For example, he said Hatchet Lake Dene Nation currently has an annual contract worth $750,000 to build and maintain the ice roads. He expects this kind of cooperation would continue with the new road as well.

“We are aware we want to make sure northerners are really valued partners in all of this,” Horth said.

larongeNOW reached out to Hatchet Lake Dene Nation leadership, but was unable to arrange an interview.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno