By Nigel Maxwell

Northern community ignoring the rules

Apr 1, 2011 | 7:21 AM

The province's ice roads are now officially closed, but at least one Northern Saskatchewan First Nation is choosing to defy the rules.

“We are going to continue to use it until mother nature says enough is enough,” said Ed Benoanie, a band councilor with the Hatchet Lake First Nation, referring to the Wollaston Lake ice road.

“A lot of these people know what they are doing. It's not the safest thing to do but if you are careful then you should be okay.”

The ice roads provide a winter passage for communities to bring in supplies such as fuel and groceries.

Right now the community of Hatchet Lake is doing okay, in terms of supplies, Benoanie said.

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“We've pretty much got everything in. Lumber has got to come in today and tomorrow. We also have to build a new store. We are going to get a bigger building, so hopefully that will keep us going until the ice breaks.”

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Highways said it is not illegal for people to use the road.

Doug Wakabayashi said people will be using the road at their own risk, as it will no longer be maintained.

nmaxwell@panow.com