McLennan-Peavine connector road breaks ground

Municipal officials from throughout the greater Smoky River region were part of the Feb. 11 groundbreaking ceremony for the McLennan to Peavine connector route. Taking part in the historic event, back row, left-right, were Hazel Vicklund and Layne Gauchier of the Peavine Metis Settlement, High Prairie Mayor Rick Dumont, Dunvegan-Central Peace MLA Hector Goudreau, Ken Noskey of Peavine Metis Settlement, M.D. of Smoky River Reeve Donald Dumont; Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pearl Calahasen, McLennan Mayor Don Regier, M.D. Of Big Lakes Reeve Alvin Billings, Dennis Cunningham of Peavine Metis Settlement, Falher Mayor Margaret Tardif and Girouxville deputy mayor Roger Maure. Front row, left-right, are Art Cloutier, vice-chairperson of the Smoky River Regional Economic Development Board, and Greg Radstaak, Smoky River regional economic development officer.

Kevin Laliberte South Peace News

A strong spirit of cooperation amongst neighbouring municipalities and the provincial government was commemorated Feb. 12 as part of a historical groundbreaking for the new McLennan to Peavine connector road. “We are extremely pleased to be part of this historic event,” said M.D. of Smoky River Reeve Donald Dumont during the ceremony just east of McLennan. “It’s a perfect example of the positive achievements which can be made when we all work together.” Dumont was one of approximately 30 municipal representatives from around the greater Smoky River region attending during the late morning groundbreaking, which also attracted Dunvegan-Central Peace MLA Hector Goudreau and Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pearl Calahasen. Goudreau commended the various project stakeholders for working together toward a common goal. “I wish to personally thank and congratulate everyone who played an integral role in making this very important project a reality,” he said referring to Peavine Metis Settlement, the villages and/or towns of High Prairie, McLennan, Donnelly, Falher, Girouxville, and the municipal districts of Big Lakes and Smoky River. “Pearl and I are very pleased to have supported this project by working with a number of ministers and Premier (Ed) Stelmach in an effort to ensure the necessary funding needed was made available.” He also acknowledged the critical role of the Smoky River Regional Economic Development Board vice-president Art Cloutier, and Smoky River regional economic development officer Greg Radstaak for their hard work and determination in convincing the government about the importance of the 26-kilometre connector route. Calahasen said endorsement of the roadway project by the provincial government was pretty hard to ignore given the level of cooperation demonstrated by all municipal partners. “These are the kind of visionaries which we, as a government, want to support 100 per cent. I just want to thank everyone who shared in this dream.” Dale LeClair, administrator for the Peavine Metis Settlement, says they are extremely pleased with the connector route. “The connector road, once constructed, will link McLennan to the settlement’s north resource road currently being developed,” he says, adding “it will also give the Peavine members easier access to McLennan” and the Smoky River region. He adds the settlement has invested significantly in developing improved access to the north within the settlement as part of a joint partnership with area municipalities. Part of that overall blueprint for future economic growth by these communities includes the recent commissioning of Stewart Weir to prepare a study of road network options. The settlement is also working very closely with other Aboriginal and industry stakeholders in an effort to ensure the entire Peace River area benefits as a region from improved economic and recreational opportunities as well as access to housing and health care. “The Peavine Metis Settlement believes that working together with its regional partners, including the MDs of Big Lakes, Smoky River, and Northern Sunrise County, as well as the Towns of High Prairie, McLennan and Peace River is vitally important to the well-being of the Peace Country,” says LeClair. Echoing the need for municipalities to continue working together was McLennan Mayor Don Regier. “The full scope of this project and the partnerships realized behind the scenes is impressive to say the least,” says Regier, who also praised the efforts of Cloutier and Radstaak for their commitment to the project from its inception several years ago. Regier also touched base on the value of the roadway as a welcome gateway in terms of its potential to spawn future economic development growth opportunities within the region. “This connector road will provide direct access into the region by the Peavine Metis Settlement for medical care, recreation, business and educational opportunities.” Money for the project, which carries an estimated price tag of $6 million, was derived from a $4.5 million provincial resource road grant. The remaining expense is cost-shared with McLennan paying $150,000 and the M.D. of Smoky River $650,000 and the Peavine Metis Settlement $750,000 over a three-year time frame. The M.D. of Big Lakes has agreed to maintain the all-season road. Clearance of the right-of-way, which must be constructed to resource road standards, is expected to begin this fall. The formal start of construction is anticipated this spring.

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