Questions & Answers

  1. What is the East Side Transportation Initiative?

    2. The East Side Transportation Initiative is a strategic initiative designed to provide improved, safe and more reliable transportation service between all of the communities on the east side of Lake Winnipeg and with the rest of the province.

  2. What will be the first objectives of the East Side Transportation Initiative?

    3. The primary objectives of ESTI are:

    • Completion of the East Side Large Area Transportation Network Study, a study to examine transportation infrastructure improvements for the entire region known as the east side of Lake Winnipeg; and
    • Construction of an all-season road from Provincial Road 304 to Berens River First Nation.

  3. Isn’t the east side of Lake Winnipeg serviced by winter roads?

    4. Yes, the region is services by a network of winter roads. However, over the years, the reliability and length of time that the winter roads are open has been lessening, resulting in hardships for local residents.

  4. What are the benefits of building an all-season road on the East Side?

    5. An all-season road will help to improve the quality of life and standard of living, while providing employment and economic development opportunities for people living on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.
    Some of the benefits include:

    • Greater reliability of transportation network;
    • Reduced transportation costs for good and services;
    • Enhanced access to emergency, health and social services;
    • Improved linkages between isolated and remote communities;
    • Construction employment and economic opportunities for local people; and
    • Enhanced opportunities for sustainable economic development including recreation and tourism and resource development.

  5. What is the East Side Road Authority, Inc?

    6. The Government of Manitoba has established an interim agency, the East Side Road Authority, Inc, to manage the construction and maintenance of an all-season road on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.

  6. Does the project have to go through an environmental licensing process?

    7. Yes, before construction can begin on an all-season road, ESRA has to obtain approval by federal and provincial regulatory agencies. This will include authorizations from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada as well as complying with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEA Act). The project also requires a license under the Manitoba Environment Act.

  7. When is construction scheduled to begin on the all-season road?

    8. Pending timely environmental approval, ESRA anticipates beginning construction on the all-season road in the fall of 2010, with completion anticipated in 2013. Upgrades to the Rice River Road and other preliminary work is ongoing.

  8. Will the construction of an all-season road through the region be compatible with potential designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

    9. Yes. UNESCO designation can be granted to areas that are being developed in a sustainable manner in cooperation with local people. The construction of the all-season road will be undertaken in a manner that meets the needs of First Nations and local communities and respecting the integrity of the natural environment. 

  9. How much will it cost to build a road on the east side of Lake Winnipeg?

    10. The cost for an all-season road from PR 304 to Berens River First Nation will be determined after the design and engineering work has been completed.

  10. How many people live on the east side of Lake Winnipeg?

    11. It is estimated that there are approximately 36,000 residents living in over 30 communities on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. Approximately 96 per cent of those living in the region are First Nation people.