Chief Bart Tsannie said the road will further open access to northern communities. (Tina Pelletier/Facebook)

By Derek Cornet

New Road

Construction begins on $6.75 million seasonal road to Wollaston Lake

Apr 23, 2020 | 5:00 PM

Construction has started on a $6.75 million seasonal road joining Wollaston Lake and Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation to Highway 905.

That’s according to a media release, which stated the federal and provincial governments have agreed to contribute funding to the project. Indigenous Services Canada will contribute $6.5 million over a two-year period, while the province will kick in $250,000. The province will also be responsible for maintenance and operation of the road, which is estimated to be $250,000 annually.

“The development of the seasonal road for the communities of Wollaston Lake and Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation is a first step towards the construction of an all-season road,” Chief Bart Tsannie said. “This road will eliminate safety issues for residents that have relied for far too long on the ice road to access the southern portion of Saskatchewan for goods and services.”

Without a seasonal road, Tsannie mentioned residents have always been heavily reliant on air transportation for freight and passenger service. Groceries and supplies have to be flown in by retailers and many local residents also need to travel south for health support. Tsannie noted the economic benefits the road will bring to the communities will be a welcomed bonus.

The work includes the design and construction of a 102-kilometre seasonal road. Construction involves clearing rocks and trees to make way for the road. Once completed, it will allow for traffic of passenger vehicles and heavy trucks with a 10-kilometre speed limit.

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“I want to commend the leadership of Hatchet Lake and Prince Albert Grand Council who have contributed to press for this important initiative,” Minister of Indigenous Services Marc Miller said. “Not only will this bring economic development opportunities to the region, it will allow the communities to provide greater services and support for their citizens.”

Currently, access to Wollaston Lake and Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation is provided by an ice road in the winter and the Wollaston Lake Barge Ferry during the summer. The contractor responsible for the project is Points Athabasca Contracting LP, which is a company partially owned by Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation. The majority of the equipment operators and labourers are expected to come from the community.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno