Others should contribute to Seal Lake

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

It’s time for the provincial government and the oil companies to do their share and provide money for the Seal Lake Connector Road. It’s not up to just High Prairie, the M.D. of Big Lakes and Peavine Métis Settlement to carry the financial burden. But let’s be clear about a few things first. Northern Sunrise County is submitting a resource road program funding application on behalf of the other parties to the government, says CAO Bob Miles. The county is not providing any money for it, just the access route through its jurisdiction. This is a fair commitment from the county, so nothing more should be demanded from it. Wayne Leontowich, a consultant for Genivar in Edmonton, spoke about the Seal Lake road during a presentation to High Prairie town council Dec. 17, 2008. He explained the project would cost $3.25 million, with $2.25 million coming from the government’s resource road program, pending approval. The decision should be made by March 2009. Leontowich says the balance of $1 million would come from the Town of High Prairie, the M.D. of Big Lakes and Peavine Métis Settlement. The Town of High Prairie set aside $100,000 in 2008 as its contribution, with an equal amount tentatively included in the 2009 provisional budget. The M.D. of Big Lakes is committing $500,000. These two parties are making substantial contributions to the 5.5 km road. How much more can be expected from them financially? As far as I’m concerned, they’ve done their part. Let’s not forget the community SLCR will be in close proximity to - Peavine Métis Settlement - which has already made it own contributions to the project. Raymond Carifelle, chairperson for the settlement council, was not aware of the presentation Leontowich made. He says any requests for funding must be presented to the council. “Peavine has already contributed a lot of money towards the first and second phases of construction,” Carifelle told me. However, it’s likely the private sector will provide funding as well, says Leontowich, and so they should. Take Shell Canada, which will eventually build the Carmon Creek oilsands project near Peace River. This company should make a financial contribution because servicing companies for Carmon Creek could take a shorter access route, the SLCR, to that area. Shell’s contribution would be insubstantial compared to the long-term benefits they would receive from their investment. Many companies have provided letters of support for the road, including Buchanan Lumber and Tolko Industries Ltd. Mayor Rick Dumont sent a letter to Premier Ed Stelmach Oct. 30, 2008, requesting his government’s support for the road. Dumont says it would provide a quick and easy access link to the Seal Lake heavy oil reserves in the High Prairie region. So, to Premier Ed Stelmach and the oil companies, it’s time to ante up and make your financial contributions to SLCR. You see the potential prosperity it could bring, so it’s only right you should invest in it.

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