By Nigel Maxwell

FSIN calls on Prime Minister to build all-season road

Mar 2, 2016 | 11:04 AM

Climate change will be the central topic of discussion when Prime Minister Trudeau meets with First Nations leaders in Vancouver, B.C. on Wednesday.

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron is hoping the talks include a commitment to build an all-season road to Wollaston Lake.   

“We have to address the immediate needs here and now, to avoid further devastation, to avoid the loss of lives,” Cameron said.

The town of Wollaston Lake and people who live at Hatchet Lake Reserve rely on an ice road during the winter months to bring in supplies such as groceries and fuel.

The safety of the road was compromised this year due to unseasonably warmer temperatures, and the ice not being thick enough for heavy trucks to cross.

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On at least one occasion, the town of Wollaston Lake ran out of fuel.

“It’s going to come to a point where under direction and consultation, Hatchet Lake is going to need the army to come in and fly supplies in and out,” Cameron said.

The cost to build an all season road is estimated to be in the range of $70 million.

Cameron said it will require a partnership between the federal and provincial levels of government, as well as First Nations leadership.

“Our long time leaders have been saying it for many years, we have to address it before it escalates so badly that it’s far beyond repair.”

As of Wednesday morning, March 2, the Wollaston Lake ice road was open to light loads only (less than 15,000kg).

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell