Economic Development

The East Side Road Authority Inc. (ESRA) is committed to working with local communities to generate economic development opportunities related to the construction of an all-season road on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.

As part of this commitment, ESRA will be entering into Community Benefits Agreements with communities located in the vicinity of the proposed all-season road. The purpose of these agreements is to provide jobs, training and economic opportunities related to road construction and maintenance, and other long-lasting economic development opportunities. In particular, these agreements are designed to:

  • Ensure hiring of residents from the east side communities;
  • Provide appropriate training and mentoring; and
  • Encourage community enterprises and capacity building

 

On June 24, 2009, ESRA and the Berens River First Nations announced that they had entered into the first Memorandum of Understanding for a Community Benefits Agreement related to the all-season road from PR 304 to Berens River. The agreement is intended to be the framework for future Community Benefits Agreements with other east side communities.

Under the terms of the MOU, ESRA will establish a construction training program in 2009 and 2010, in preparation for the construction of the all-season road. Approximately 50 – 70 residents in the Berens River First Nations area will be provided an opportunity to obtain introduction to construction, labourer and heavy equipment operator training associated with gravel crushing, right-of-way clearing and road construction.

Once the project is initiated, it is anticipated that Berens River First Nation, through a separate corporate entity known as Pigeon River Contractors Inc. (PRC), will participate in pre-construction activities associated with the construction of the all-season road including:

  • Gravel Crushing – PRC will crush and stockpile aggregate material at the current market price plus a capacity building allowance of 25 per cent over the next three years for construction of the all-season road; and
  • Right-of-Way Clearing – PRC will clear a portion of the proposed right-of-way for the all-season road to allow ESRA to undertake survey and geotechnical investigations for final design of the roadway alignment, along with site preparation and other pre-construction activities through the year 2010; The agreement also allows the First Nation to utilize all usable harvested material for community purposes;

To assist PRC in project management, to ensure appropriate oversight, and to provide mentoring, ESRA will perform project and contract administration services to PRC and Berens River. The total value of the agreement is estimated to a maximum of $11,250,000. PRC will have the opportunity to undertake future potential contracts associated with the project.

ESRA is currently in discussions with other communities on the east side and plans to enter into similar agreements as the project proceeds.

Press Release - Community Benefits Agreement With Berens River First Nation, June 24, 2009

Chief George Kemp, Chief of Berens River First Nation, Ernie Gilroy, CEO of the East Side Road Authority, Inc., and Eric Robinson, Acting Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs

(Left to Right) Chief George Kemp, Chief of Berens River First Nation, Ernie Gilroy, CEO of the East Side Road Authority, Inc., and Eric Robinson, Acting Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for a Community Benefits Agreement with Berens River First Nation.

June 24/2009 - Memorandum of Understanding for the Community Benefits Agreement with Berens River First Nation

October 14/2009 - Memorandum of Understanding for the Community Benefits Agreement with Bloodvein First Nation

November 19, 2009 – Memorandum of Understanding for the Community Benefits Agreement with Wasagamack First Nation (44kb)