WINNIPEG — The final hurdle appears to have been cleared for construction of an all-weather road for Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.
On Monday, the federal government agreed to spend up to an additional $10 million for the construction of a road for the isolated community near the Ontario-Manitoba boundary.
The road was originally going to cost $30 million, which was to be split equally between the federal, provincial and Winnipeg municipal governments. Cost estimates rose in recent years, and the federal government has agreed to cover up to $10 million in extra costs.
Shoal Lake 40 was cut off from the mainland a century ago during construction of an aqueduct, which sends fresh water to Winnipeg. The reserve also has been without clean water for 18 years.
Monday’s commitment marks a turning point for the community and for First Nations in Canada, Shoal Lake 40 Chief, Erwin Redsky said.
“This is a new beginning,” Redsky said. “Let’s not dwell on the past. Let’s move forward together.
“First Nations will be part of this country to rebuild it again. Today, the work begins.”
WATCH: Chief Erwin Redsky speaks about Freedom Road Monday morning
A group calling itself Friends of Shoal Lake 40 also rallied outside city hall Monday morning, before the meeting starting, hoping to bring awarness to the issue, according to a Facebook post.
“We appreciate that our city has already included $10 million in its 2016 budget and has proceeded with the funding of bridge construction,” a letter to Mayor Brian Bowman from Friends of Shoal Lake 40 stated.
READ MORE: Officials announce Shoal Lake 40 First Nation to get its ‘Freedom Road’
The former Conservative government refused to commit to help fund construction of a road despite willingness by Manitoba and Winnipeg to share the cost.
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However, the Liberals promised during the recent election to come up with Ottawa’s share. It’s a moral obligation, said Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett.
“This couldn’t wait any longer,” Bennett said to applause. “We see this as an important first step in us partnering with First Nations and renewing the relationship.”
Ferry breaks down
On Friday evening, many of the more than 250 people living on the reserve at Shoal Lake 40 were scrambling to find a way home after access to the outside world froze over. The barge that connects residents to the city for essentials like groceries and fresh water, broke down because of the cold weather conditions.
READ MORE: ‘We had nowhere else to go,’ residents from Shoal Lake 40 trapped after barge break down
The community was told it would take four days to get the part needed to fix the barge and most could not wait that long away from home and with nowhere to go.
Chief Erwin Redsky said boats were put in the water to help brings residents back home, but they had to push through adverse frozen conditions in the water that were extremely dangerous. Boats went back and forth until nearly 3:30 Saturday morning.
The chief said this is not the first break down of the barge and it is an extremely expensive burden for the community to carry on their shoulders. While the government did step in to help when it broke down last time, the chief said a more permanent solution is necessary and he wants to see the road promised to connect the community to the city built.
“This barge ferry is extremely expensive to operate and maintain. It’s just on-going issues with this aging ferry,” Redsky said.
With files from the Canadian Press/Chinta Puxley
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