Municipal officials from throughout the greater Smoky River region were part of the Feb. 11th groundbreaking ceremony for the McLennan-Peavine connector route. Taking part in the historic event (from left) was Hazel Viclund and Layne Gauchier of the Peavine Metis Settlement, as well as High Prairie Mayor Rick Dumont, Dunvegan - Central Peace MLA Hector Goudreau, Ken Noskey (Peavine Metis Settlement), M.D. of Smoky River Reeve Donald Dumont and Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pearl Calahasen. They were joined by McLennan Mayor Don Regier, M.D. of Big Lakes Reeve Alvin Billings, Dennis Cunningham of the Peavine Metis Settlement, Falher Mayor Margaret Tardif and Girouxville Deputy Mayor Roger Maure. Also in the photo (front, from left) is Art Cloutier, vice-chairperson of the Smoky River Regional Economic Development Board, and Greg Radstaak, Smoky River Regional Economic Development Officer.

A strong spirit of cooperation amongst neighbouring municipalities and the provincial government was commemorated last week as part of a historical groundbreaking for the new McLennan-Peavine connector road. “We are extremely pleased to be part of this historic event,” Municipal District of Smoky River Reeve Donald Dumont said during the Feb. 11th 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 on hand 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 towards 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 the Peavine Metis Settlement, the 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 30-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 M.D.’s 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,” Leclair emphasizes. 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.” “It also opens up the Smoky River region to oil development resources north of Peavine (Seal Lake), which will ultimately provide valuable employment and business opportunities to our communities.” Funding for the roadway infrastructure project, which carries an estimated price tag of $6 million, was derived from a 4.5 million dollar resource road grant through the province. The remaining expense is cost-shared by partnering municipalities including McLennan ($150,000), the Municipal District of Smoky River ($650,000), and the Peavine Metis Settlement ($750,000) over a three-year time frame with the M.D. of Big Lakes agreeing to maintain the all-season road. Clearance of the right-of-way for the connector route, which must be constructed to resource road standards outlined by Alberta Transportation, is being carried out by Tolko Industries Ltd. along with Buchanan Lumber. The formal start of road construction is anticipated to take place later this year.