The Wollaston Lake road project has received a significant financial boost due to funding from the federal government.
The project, would see the construction of an all-season road to Wollaston Lake and Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation.
The two communities currently rely on travel either by barge or ice road; modes of travel community members say have become unreliable in recent years.
The Prince Albert Grand Council announced on Monday that Indigenous Services Canada has provided $72 million toward the all-season road.
According to PAGC, the remaining work for the project includes constructing the roadway embankment from kilometres 25 to 103, installing culverts and drainage structures, crushing and installing traffic gravel, controlling erosion, and putting up necessary signage.
“This road is more than just a connection to the outside world,” said Chief Bart Tsannie of Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation. “It’s a lifeline that will bring safety, economic opportunities and a brighter future for our people.”
Once completed the provincial government will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the roadway.
Work on the project originally begin in 2008.
(PHOTO – Residents of Wollaston Lake and Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation rely on ice roads for travel in winter months. However, with a warmer climate in recent winters the time the ice road has been in operation has decreased significantly. Photo by Joel Willick.)