|
History of The East Side Road DevelopmentJune 29, 2000 - Government of Manitoba officially accepts the Consultation on Sustainable Development Implementation (COSDI) Report, a report based on a multi-stakeholder consensus-based process (1997-1999) that examined sustainable development through the broad area planning. August 2000 – Government of Manitoba launches the East Side Lake Winnipeg Planning Initiative – later referred to as the Wabanong Nakaygum Okimawin (WNO). The East Side Lake Winnipeg Planning Initiative was based on principles identified in the COSDI Report. The East Side Lake Winnipeg Planning Initiative (WNO) was the first concrete initiative that resulted from the COSDI report. November 2000 – “All-Weather Road (AWR) Justification and Scoping Consultant Study” indicated that an AWR could be justified based on long-term transportation savings alone. September 2004 – WNO submitted a status report entitled “Promises to Keep” to the Government of Manitoba with over 100 recommendations including construction of the East Side Road. The status report indicated “that there is support for upgrading the existing Rice River Road and its extension to the community of Bloodvein.” (Promises to Keep, pg. 44, 2004) May 2005 – Development of transportation services identified by WNO as a priority land use and economic development initiative. April 3, 2007 – The Government of Manitoba and WNO sign a landmark accord on land use planning for the east side of Lake Winnipeg. April 5, 2007 – Province of Manitoba commits $15 million to begin construction of the first leg of an all-weather road on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. April 20, 2007 – Province of Manitoba announces the beginning of the route selection process for the east side of Lake Winnipeg, which is currently referred to as the East Side Transportation Study. November 2008 – The Throne Speech of the Government of Manitoba announces that the Manitoba Floodway Authority (MFA) would be given the mandate for the construction of an all-weather road on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. December 1, 2008 – Province of Manitoba introduces legislation, the East Side Traditional Lands Planning and Special Protected Areas Act, that would enable First Nations to develop land-use plans to provide interim and permanent legal protection of traditional lands on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. Jan. 30, 2009 – The East Side Road Authority files an application to begin the process of environmental licensing for the construction of the all-season road from PR 304 to Berens River First Nation. March 2009 – Budget 2009 re-affirmed the Government’s commitment to the construction of an all-season road and further indicated that “Manitoba Floodway Authority will partner with the East Side communities to build an all-purpose road…that will ensure local residents have the opportunity to share in the project’s economic benefits.” April 30, 2009 – The Government of Manitoba introduces Bill 31, the Manitoba Floodway Authority Amendment Act, to officially expand the mandate of the Manitoba Floodway Authority to assume responsibility for the construction and maintenance of an all-season road on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. Aug. 19, 2009 – ESRA signs an $11.25-million community benefits agreement with Berens River First Nation to provide jobs, training and economic opportunities related to pre-construction work for the all-season road. September 2009 – ESRA offers an introduction to construction course (basic and essential construction skills) to 15 residents of Berens River First Nation. Oct. 8, 2009 – The Government of Manitoba gives royal assent to Bill 31, the Manitoba Floodway Authority Amendment Act Nov. 5, 2009 – ESRA files an Environmental Impact Assessment for the all-season road from PR 304 to Berens River First Nation. November 2009 – ESRA offers a skilled labourer training course to five residents from Berens River First Nation. November/December 2009 – ESRA offers an introduction to construction course (basic and essential construction skills) to 12 residents of Berens River First Nation. Dec. 1, 2009 – Bill 31 is officially proclaimed establishing the Manitoba Floodway and East Side Road Authority. Dec. 4, 2009 – ESRA signs a $2.25-million community benefits agreement with Wasagamack First Nation to provide jobs, training and economic opportunities related to pre-construction work for the all-season road. Jan. 4, 2010 – ESRA signs a $7.75-million community benefits agreement with Bloodvein First Nation to provide jobs, training and economic opportunities related to pre-construction work for the all-season road. March 15, 2010 – ESRA signs a $2.25-million community benefits agreement with Red Sucker Lake First Nation to provide jobs, training and economic opportunities related to pre-construction work for the all-season road. March 16, 2010 – ESRA signs a $2.25-million community benefits agreement with St. Theresa Point First Nation to provide jobs, training and economic opportunities related to pre-construction work for the all-season road. March 30, 2010 – Province of Manitoba announces an investment of $72.5 million for an all-season road on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. May 13, 2010 - – ESRA signs a $7.75-million community benefits agreement with Hollow Water First Nation to provide jobs, training and economic opportunities related to pre-construction work for the all-season road. |
|||