The all-season road will replace ice roads in the winter and a barge in the summer. (Facebook)

By Derek Cornet

all-season

New federal funding guarantees completion of Wollaston Lake road project

Jun 17, 2024 | 3:22 PM

A final capital injection of $49 million from the federal government will secure the completion of an all-season road for Wollaston Lake and Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation by the end of next fall.

That’s according to Athabasca Vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie of the Prince Albert Grand Council, who explained the final commitment for funding came in the latest federal budget. In total, more than $72 million has been provided by Indigenous Services Canada towards the road project within the last four years.

“The road was stalled back in 2012,” Tsannie noted.

“The province started the road (in 2008) and finished 14 kilometers of the road. The province withdrew their commitment to the road back in 2012, so they said it wasn’t a priority for the province to complete this road, so they stepped back with no success in terms of them putting in their funding and finishing this project, unfortunately.”

Once completed, the provincial government will be responsible for operation and maintenance of the roadway. The province has also been part of the project team.

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The remaining work for the Wollaston Lake project includes constructing the roadway embankment from kilometers 25 to 103, installing culverts and drainage structures, crushing and installing traffic gravel, controlling erosion, and putting up necessary signage.

The Wollaston Lake barge only operates about five months out the year. It began servicing the area just last week. (Saskatchewan Highway Hotline/Facebook)

Currently, residents depend on a precarious 42-kilometer crossing over Wollaston Lake, which has become increasingly unreliable due to climate change. Tsannie added the new all-season road will be crucial during emergency situations, severe weather events, as well as the delivery of building supplies, groceries and fuel.

“There’s huge opportunities for exploration activities as well,” he said.

“It opens up a whole area … in the region because it is rich in uranium, rare Earth, and these metals that are needed all around the world.”

Access to Wollaston Lake and Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation is primarily through air travel, barge in the summer, and ice road during the winter. The population of Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation is approximately 2,000, of which over 1,500 reside on reserve.

“The completion of this seasonal road will create significant benefits and opportunities for the residents of these northern communities,” said Patty Hajdu, the Minister of Indigenous Services, in a media release issued Monday.

“They will gain year-round access to essential supplies, economical and employment opportunities, and health and mental wellness services.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com