Local

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Skownan First Nation closes road used by farmers, hunters and anglers

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 10/2/2012 9:58 AM | Comments: 0

A road used by farmers, hunters and anglers has been closed by Skownan First Nation in attempt to get the attention of the Selinger government on decade-old flooding problems.

Salt Point Road has been blockaded for several weeks but only now has the community, at the south end of Waterhen Lake between Lake Winnipeg and Lake Winnipegosis, started turning away all traffic.

Councillor Joseph Maud said the dispute centres on the province’s apparent refusal to deal with flooding caused by the reconstruction of a bridge over the West Waterhen River in 1999.

"Our issues have been moving at a snail’s pace," he said, adding Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson and Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn, MLA for the area, met with band officials during the summer.

"It sounded like things were progressing, but this is now October," Maud said.

Maud said the road starts on the reserve before continuing to Crown land and a provincially-owned boat ramp, frequently used by anglers and hunters.

Paul Turenne, executive director of the Manitoba Lodges & Outfitters Association, said the both the band and the province have to start talking.

"I think it’s clear to everyone that this is not the diplomatic way to go about negotiations," he said.

RCMP say they have got a few complaints about traffic disruptions and are monitoring the matter.

A provincial spokesman said the province and band have established a working group to help expedite a resolution.

"Meetings are ongoing and the province remains committed to resolving all outstanding issues," Matt Williamson said. "We’ve asked them to remove the blockade as discussions continue."

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Local

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.