Remote Manitoba First Nation takes step toward building airport
Wasagamack Anisininew Nation is one step closer to getting a new airport.
On Thursday, leaders gathered in Wasagamack First Nation for a milestone announcement that reaffirmed the provincial government’s campaign promise to build an airport in the community.
Around 2,500 people live in Wasagamack First Nation, which is located 600 kilometres north of Winnipeg on Island Lake. According to community leaders, the area is only accessible by winter road, boat or helicopter, while the closest airport is a 10-kilometre boat ride away, in St. Theresa Point.
Wasagamack First Nation Chief Walter Harper said he was excited and happy to see the community’s dream of having an airport get closer to becoming a reality, after what he described as decades of “broken promises” as elders and residents pushed to get the airport built.
“We’re risking our lives…to get our stuff from the airport to our community. It’s very costly,” Harper said, adding that the new facility will help ease some of the physical and financial challenges those living in the nation face.
Wasagamack Airport roadmap
Harper said he hopes to see the airport built within the next five years.
According to a project road map outlined by community leaders, construction of the access road is already underway, with $8 million in work owing. The contract value is $34,418,818.
The next phase will include the design of the airport, which will take place over the next year. Access to the site is expected in fall 2025.
The community said it hopes to finish construction by 2027.
A preliminary airport budget is set at $45 million, but depends on the length of the runway and the complexity of the terminal building.
Support from community organizations, government
In a statement, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) congratulated Wasagamack First Nation on the announcement, calling it “a historic and life-changing accomplishment.”
“It’s also a demonstration of the good things we can accomplish together when governments support First Nations-led projects that support the inherent right of First Nations to self-determination,” said AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick in the release.
According to AMC, Manitoba committed $8 million to the Wasagamack Airport Development project. However, the provincial government has yet to release specific details.
“When we get through the design phase process, then we'll be able to look at some more concrete numbers and what that means for each phase of the project,” Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie told reporters Friday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
As Canada warms, infectious disease risks spread north
Cases of Lyme disease have now increased more than 1,000 per cent in a decade as the warming climate pushes the boundaries of a range of pathogens and risk factors northward.
Trump confronts repeated boos during raucous Libertarian convention speech
Donald Trump was booed repeatedly while addressing Saturday night’s Libertarian Party National Convention.
Custom baseball card released of Blue Jays fan struck in the face with foul ball
Liz McGuire, the Blue Jays fan who was struck in the face with a 110 m.p.h. foul ball last week, has been pictured on a custom baseball trading card applauding her fandom to the game.
Grayson Murray, two-time PGA Tour winner, dead at 30
Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray died Saturday morning at age 30, one day after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge at Colonial.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Pro-Palestinian protesters expected to meet with U of T administration
Pro-Palestinian protesters who have set up an encampment on the University of Toronto campus are expected to meet with school officials today.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
Beer Store planning to 'thrive and adapt' as Ontario announces changes to alcohol sales starting this summer
The Beer Store says it is looking forward to the next stage in its “evolution” as the province rolls out an accelerated timeline for expanding retail alcohol sales in Ontario.