Representatives from Sturgeon Lake, including Chief, council, and staff, were all smiles Tuesday following a major infrastructure announcement. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community enhancement

Major paving project announced at Sturgeon Lake First Nation

May 3, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Chief Greg Ermine called it a huge day for Sturgeon Lake First Nation.

During a special press conference Tuesday afternoon at the band office, plans were officially confirmed for a 10.6 km paving project. The gravel road runs east to west through the community, and work will begin near the store off Highway 355.

“Over the next week, work will proceed with our partners,” Ermine said.

Discussions with the consultants started just a year ago, and Ermine thanked all of council for their help, as well as the community’s special projects manager.

“It certainly has been a great experience for all of us,” he said.

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Ermine explained the paved road, to be completed by late fall, will help address health concerns related to dust while also reducing vehicle maintenance. He also acknowledged the community’s desire to pursue future developments and expand programming.

“All of that relates to having the necessary infrastructure in place to make that happen,” he said.

HJR Asphalt is also responsible to the passing lanes on Highways 2 and 3. CEO Josh Safronetz said he was very excited about working with the community.

“It just makes me proud that me and my company are able to be a part of this,” he said.

Citing plans to hire local, Safronetz estimated hiring as many as 10 people for a 15 person crew.

Chief and council with representatives from HJR Asphalt and Prairie Road Solutions. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

The community’s technical operations team. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Brian Stang, project manager with Prairie Road Solutions, reiterated projects like this help improve a community’s safety and health.

“Projects of this nature are so much than just rocks and asphalt,” he said.

The total costs of the project is $8.14 million, and will be funded entirely through various community programs. Ermine also explained that each employee also pays a community infrastructure fee.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell