An official with Saskatchewan Highways says the ministry is doing the best it can to keep a northern roadway in good working order.
Highways 903 and 965 are the centre of attention this week after the chief of the Canoe Lake Cree Nation released a public letter, blasting the condition of the highways — and warning that locals might take a confrontational approach if their concerns are not addressed.
Chief Robert Opikokew worries for the safety of local motorists and says he doesn’t want to see any more trucks that are hauling dangerous goods taking that route.
Highways spokesperson Doug Wakabayashi says the ministry does maintain the roads — but he acknowledges neither of them is on the province’s current list of capital projects, adding paving the entire stretch would cost a lot.
However, he notes $4 million was spent on maintaining those two highways between 2007 and 2011.
Meanwhile, the chief of the band has scheduled a meeting today for Highways officials to attend.
Wakabayashi says he is not sure if anyone from the government will be in attendance — but the ministry will contact band officials at some point.