Brokenhead demands change after pedestrian killed on Highway 59

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This article was published 21/04/2023 (951 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brokenhead Ojibway Nation is calling on the Manitoba government to make safety improvements to Highway 59 after a 75-year-old pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run collision Thursday night.

Chief Gord Bluesky wants the province to reduce the 80 km/h speed limit, improve lighting and add safe pedestrian crossings along the stretch of the highway that runs through the community.

“For years, the community has met with, and demanded that, the government of Manitoba improve the safety of provincial Highway 59 for our members, children, and for everyone that uses the busy highway to get to the beaches along Lake Winnipeg and beyond,” he said in a news release. “It’s unacceptable that this stretch of highway continues to lack the basic safety measures that are in place elsewhere.”

The First Nation’s council wants to meet with the province again to renew discussions and find long-term solutions when it comes to safety.

It said hundreds of thousands of vehicles pass through the community each year, with “many” drivers speeding past homes, schools and businesses situated next to the two-lane highway.

Brokenhead’s council said “limited” lighting along the route increases the risk to residents who often walk to their destinations.

“We are calling on Manitoba, in this time of reconciliation, to immediately make the necessary changes so that this does not happen again,” said Coun. Allen Hocaluk. “This is not the first time we’ve seen a tragedy on this stretch of highway, and the lack of provincial action means that these incidents are unfortunately inevitable.”

A Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure spokeswoman said the department has “reached out” to Bluesky to offer condolences to the community.

“MTI has been working on options with the community of Brokenhead for many years,” the spokeswoman wrote in an email. “Most recently, temporary speed reduction signs were installed and the province is actively looking at additional options to enhance safety in this area.

“Every fatality on Manitoba’s roadways is tragic and undergoes a thorough review.”

During question period March 10, NDP MLA Ian Bushie urged the government to listen to the council’s concerns and reduce the speed limit to 50 km/h in Brokenhead.

“Many of Manitoba’s communities have highways that run through them, yet the speed limit drops down to 50 kilometres or less in those communities… Brokenhead Ojibway Nation wants the same approach.”–NDP MLA Ian Bushie

“Many of Manitoba’s communities have highways that run through them, yet the speed limit drops down to 50 kilometres or less in those communities,” he said. “Brokenhead Ojibway Nation wants the same approach for their community.”

In response, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk said road safety is the department’s “No. 1 priority,” and staff will work with Brokenhead to find a long-term solution along the major route.

He said a digital sign was installed to encourage drivers to slow down to 80 km/h in the community.

The speed limit is 100 km/h before the 80-km/h zone.

The victim of Thursday’s collision was a Brokenhead resident who was walking to work, a news release issued by the community’s council said.

RCMP said the collision happened at about 10:40 p.m.

The man was walking north on the right shoulder of the highway when a vehicle struck him from behind and then fled, said police.

He died at the scene.

Police believe he was struck by a 2007 to 2012 Ford Fusion that is burgundy in colour, based on debris at the scene.

A forensic collision reconstructionist is investigating, along with Selkirk RCMP officers.

Children were among those who witnessed the collision from a nearby schoolyard, Brokenhead’s news release stated.

People had gathered in the gymnasium to watch televised coverage of a National Hockey League playoff game between the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights.

Mental health resources are being offered to those affected by the collision, including the traumatized children who witnessed it, the news release said.

Brokenhead is asking the provincial and federal governments for more resources.

RCMP are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has information about the vehicle to call the Selkirk detachment at 204-482-1222 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @chriskitching