An all-weather road linking Berens River with the Bloodvein First Nation and the provincial highway network is now in service.

“The opening of this road represents a transformational change for the people who call Berens River home,” said Ron Schuler, Minister of Infrastructure. “Having a permanent road that connects the community with the Bloodvein First Nation and the entire provincial highway network will offer a major improvement in people’s lives, as well as provide significant economic opportunity for the region.

“Getting this road done required a tremendous amount of co-operation, and I thank the people of Treaty 5, the Berens River First Nation and the northern affairs community in working with us in getting this worthwhile project completed.”

The $200-million roadway, located on the eastern side of Lake Winnipeg, is approximately 70 kilometres in length and connects Berens River with the Bloodvein First Nation. It includes three bridges, with the final one being completed in November, allowing traffic to cross the Bradbury River from PR 304 to Berens River.

The last road section of 21.6 km was completed less than three weeks ago, Schuler noted. First Nations communities were contracted for clearing land and producing gravel as part of the road’s construction, he added.

“The completion of this road is something our community has been eagerly anticipating,” said Chief Hartley Everett of the Berens River First Nation. “There are always challenges for winter road travel in the spring and fall, but the completion of this road will provide year-round travel for our community.”

“Having access to the provincial road network will improve the well-being of the people of Berens River while opening up economic and tourism opportunities for our community,” said  Berens River Northern Affairs Community mayor Allan Atlookan.

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