By Andrew de Souza

Fire highlights Wollaston Lake’s need for a road

Jun 3, 2011 | 11:55 AM

With more than 1,000 people evacuated by air from Wollaston Lake, one community leader says the need for a permanent all-weather road is once again highlighted.

“We’ve been waiting patiently,” said councilor and acting chief Edward Benoaine.

“Every now and then money pops up and they do some work on the road.

“It is really frustrating when you think about things like this happening.”

Currently, the community is accessible only by air. Winter roads over thick ice connect the community, but only for a few weeks in winter.

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In the summer, a barge operates along the same route, but there is a large gap between the two when the ice prevents the barge from operating, but is too thin for an ice road.

More than 1,000 residents have been evacuated to Prince Albert, Saskatoon and other areas.

All of them, as well as fire fighter and equipment have been flown up in military planes or helicopters.

Fire doesn’t increase the priority

According to the provincial ministry of highways, the fire does not make the construction of the road any more imperative than it already is.

“For a road, the greater urgency or importance would be in terms of community access,” said Doug Wakabayashi with the ministry.

He said work was continuing on the road at a regular pace regardless.

He said the ministry had finished the centre-line clearing on the entire 102-kilometre stretch and would fully construct about four kilometers of road this year.

adesouza@panow.com