Members of the Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation break ground with their partners on drainage project. Photo courtesy of Travis Radke.
Ground was broken today on the Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation draining ditch project.
The $1.2 million endeavor will attempt to drain flooded portions of the reserve. The project will see a series of culverts and drainage systems placed on Highway 212, which runs through their land.
The current drainage ditch has been in place since 1907.
“We’ve dealt with this for well over a hundred years,” said Brian Seesequasis, the nation’s land manager. “At the time in 1907, from the research that we did, it was supposed to be sufficient at the time, but over time it’s not (been sufficient).”
Updates to the drainage ditch have been in the works for decades and have gone through many phases.
“This is a step in the right direction. It’s been a long time coming,” said Chief Roy Petit. “There’s been 40 plans since 1980, this is the 41st, and we’re getting it done.”
Funding for the project is being provided by the Canadian Department of Indigenous Services.
Construction is scheduled to begin in January and should finish by the end of March.