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Minister's Message
The Government of Manitoba recognizes the benefits of an all-season road and has established the East Side Road Authority (ESRA) Inc. to examine ways to improve transportation in the region through the East Side Transportation Initiative. As a first step, our government has committed to the construction of an all-season road from PR 304 near Manigotagan to Berens River First Nation. Pending environmental approval, construction of the road is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2010. Work on upgrading the Rice River road and other preliminary work is already underway. At the same time, we are also undertaking a major study to examine transportation options for the creation of an all-season road network to other communities throughout the region. This process will include community meetings with local residents including Chiefs, Councils and elders. As we proceed, we are committed to working in partnership with First Nation people. As stewards of the land, their traditional knowledge and insight will be invaluable and will guide us through this process. While ensuring that transportation improvements are undertaken in a sustainable manner, their input will also help us ensure that employment and economic development opportunities flow to residents on the East Side. Finally, construction of the all-season road will be undertaken in a manner that is consistent with the proposed UNESCO World Heritage Designation for the East Side. We have an incredible opportunity to protect the last great, undisturbed stand of boreal forest – the “northern lungs of our planet” – and for this reason we will ensure that the all-season road meets the needs of local people and respects the integrity of the environment. Sincerely,
Ron Lemieux |
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For many years, First Nations people living on the east side of Lake Winnipeg
have envisioned an all-season road linking the east side communities to
each other and with the rest of the province. Such a road would mean better
access, lower transportation costs, enhanced services, and tourism and
economic development opportunities for local people.