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
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
'Repetitive partisan conduct': Conservatives to force vote on ousting Speaker Greg Fergus
The federal Conservatives have advanced a motion that will force MPs to vote on whether to oust Greg Fergus as House of Commons Speaker, after MPs' deputy adjudicator ruled Monday that the Liberal member's allegedly errant partisan event invite required urgent attention.
Trial for B.C. man accused of killing, dismembering wife begins
The trial for a Langley man accused of killing his wife began Monday, with the prosecutor laying out a disturbing series of facts agreed upon by both Crown and defence.
Stars roar back to win Game 3 over Oilers
Jason Robertson's hat-trick goal midway through the third period broke a deadlock and proved to be the eventual winner as the Dallas Stars beat the host Edmonton Oilers 5-3 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final to take a 2-1 series lead.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
WATCH Alta. man rescues wild foal trapped on steep cliffside
A man's daring rescue of a newborn wild foal that was trapped after falling down a steep embankment was caught on video over the weekend.
Severe thunderstorms, tornado watch in some areas of Canada. Here's where
Depending on where you live, you can expect to get a mixed bag of weather this week, as local forecasts predict heavy rain, strong wind, severe thunderstorms and even snowfall across some areas of Canada.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Israel close to approving Gaza reunification program before Rafah invasion: Miller
Immigration Minister Marc Miller says Israel seemed to be on the verge of approving a program to get Palestinian relatives of Canadians out of the Gaza Strip before the country's invasion of the town of Rafah.