CALGARY – The southwest portion of the Calgary ring road now has the federal approval it needed for construction to get underway.
The Government of Alberta and Tsuu T’ina Nation signed the land transfer agreement in November 2013. On Friday, the federal government authorized changes to the boundaries of the Tsuu T’ina Nation so that the project can go ahead.
Now that the land is approved to be transferred, the agreement requires the province to complete the southwest section within seven years. It isn’t clear where the NDP stands on the issue, but Opposition leader Brian Jean had promised its completion as part of his election platform.
READ MORE: Wildrose leader promises to complete Calgary ring road if elected
About 2,100 hectares will be added to the Nation, and more than 400 hectares will be transferred to Alberta. The southwest Calgary ring road is set to run from 69 Street SW to Highway 2A.
Tsuu T’ina Chief Roy Whitney said the ring road project is about future benefits to the Nation in a statement issued on Friday.
“The road will stimulate economic development on a major scale – the kind of economic development that is critical to ensuring that our children, grandchildren and future generations have the potential to build successful and prosperous lives here, at Tsuu T’ina,” said Whitney. “Council has also been drafting solid plans to ensure that funds received and future revenue generated are used to create a legacy for those future generations.”
READ MORE: West portion of Calgary ring road delayed to 2020
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