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Crossroads
This week
TEAMWORK
DARRELL NESBITT/CROSSROADS THIS WEEK
Battling back from a one game deficit, the Shoal Lake Eagles U11 team evened the series by knocking off the Neepawa Titans at home on Saturday, March 8, and then advanced to the finals by defeating their opponents on the road the next day. Here, Kinsler Martin was among the Eagles having a strong game, moving the puck up ice into the offensive zone, showcasing skill and tenacity on each play, with teammates ready to support his next move.
Stakeholders meet to address urgent repairs to Hwy 45
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
Crossroads This Week
Officials from several municipalities and First Nations gathered in Winnipeg on Feb 25, to appeal for urgent action on the deteriorating condition of Highway 45, a main route for many local communities.
Representatives from the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Riding Mountain West, Municipality of Russell Binscarth, Rossburn Municipality, and Waywayseecappo First Nation participated in the meeting, bringing
to light significant safety concerns and the highway’s impact on business and tourism.
“The most significant achievement has been raising awareness,” stated Glenda Lemcke, CAO of Riding Mountain West. “Our unified voice has highlighted the road’s critical condition and the urgent need for repairs.”
The Feb. 25 meeting was the second instance of collaboration between these municipalities, following an earlier local assembly.
“In 2023, a group of municipali-
ties began to speak about lobbying to repave Highway 45,” Lemcke explained.
It wasn’t until late 2024 that the R.M. of Riding Mountain West initiated a petition for the highway’s reconstruction to meet Roads and Transportation Association of Canada (RTAC) standards. Despite encountering formatting issues with their petition, stakeholders persisted, ultimately gaining the opportunity for a road tour and meeting with Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Liaison Officer,
Alyssa Montsion, on Feb. 11.
Following this tour, Scott Phillips, Vice President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM), facilitated a meeting with Premier Wab Kinew and several ministers to discuss Highway 45, emphasizing its importance.
“This meeting not only shed light on these critical issues but also fostered valuable relationships among the communities, First Nations, AMM, the Premier, and the Ministers,” Lemcke noted.
Looking forward, the stakeholder
representatives aim to invite the Premier and key ministers to visit the highway themselves.
“This visit aims to assess the road’s condition, address safety concerns, and explore the potential for tourism and business growth,” Lemcke said, expressing confidence for prompt action to upgrade the road to RTAC standards within a reasonable time frame.
Discussions remain ongoing, with regional stakeholders committed to advocating for this crucial project until it comes to fruition.