Officials with the Paq’tnkek First Nation say they’re encouraged by the progress of their highway interchange project.
The total cost, which is covered by officials with the provincial and federal governments, is $15.3 million.
Paul Prosper, the chief of Paq’tnkek, says he believes the third and final tender for work has been issued by provincial officials.
Prosper tells The Hawk that includes paving roads, working on roundabouts, and building and extending a bridge.
“That would involve a bridge extension for the main Trans Canada Highway to accommodate the extra lane,” he says. “There’s also a bridge that is required for the connector road going down to the trunk road by the reserve.”
Prosper says the first tender dealt with clearing and laying pipe; work is now being done on the underpass and subsurface as part of the second tender.
He says the project will open doors for economic and community development.
Prosper says they’re pleased with the pace of the work.
“I think it’s excellent to see the progress that has taken place to date,” he says. “It’s quite positive having this development proceed quite quickly.”
Prosper says they hope to have commercial development ready for the spring of 2019; a gas station, food and beverage establishment and gaming facility are all being discussed.
A land designation vote is being held June 7.
Photo credit: Paq’tnkek First Nation (www.Paqntkek.ca)