The all-weather road links to a winter road in Alberta. (Google Maps)

By Derek Cornet

all weather

Chief confused about provincial announcement about northern road extension

Jan 17, 2022 | 2:41 PM

Clearwater River Dene Nation chief Teddy Clark is skeptical about the provincial government’s announcement to complete part of a northern road leading to the Alberta border.

In a media release issued Monday, the province stated it will complete the remaining nine kilometres on the Saskatchewan side of the border of the La Loche to Fort McMurray all-weather road. It notes pre-construction work on the remaining nine kilometres near Garson Lake to the Alberta border will begin this year, with construction expected to be complete by the end of 2023.

Clark, however, told larongeNOW he was confused about the announcement because the road in question already ends at the Saskatchewan-Alberta border.

“If we were nine kilometres short, we wouldn’t be able to join up with the Alberta winter road every year,” he said. “I think the Sask. Party needs to do some more research on us and actually come down and drive that road and see it goes right to the border.”

Clark also questioned the timing of the announcement, adding it comes at a time when residents of the Athabasca constituency will soon be going to the polls to vote in a byelection. He said if the province wants to spend money on northern roads, they should focus on maintaining the road already built or invest in Highway 155.

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According to the province, the road was originally announced as a project to commemorate the two province’s centennials in 2005. Saskatchewan broke ground on Highway 956 in 2007 and completed 44 of the total 53 kilometres in 2008.

Alberta has not yet begin construction of its portion of the road, but Premier Scott Moe also sent a letter to Alberta Premier Jason Kenney asking his province make a similar commitment to complete the Alberta side.

“An all-weather road between these two northern communities will give employers access to a valuable workforce in northern Saskatchewan, while providing gainful employment and economic development opportunities for the people and communities of this region,” Moe said. “We recognize the need for our governments to work together on completing this project to ensure people in the north benefit from this vital economic and transportation link.”

The province adds the Highway 956 project is on top of the nearly $68 million the province is investing in northern transportation infrastructure in the current fiscal year.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno