Ref. #2-3571
Garden River, Alberta (November 8, 2011) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River, and the Honourable Frank Oberle, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Peace River, congratulated the Little Red River Cree Nation on the grand opening today of the Highway 58 Garden River access road in northern Alberta.
“This important upgrade to the Garden River Road demonstrates the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure in remote communities,” said Minister Duncan. “This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when the federal government, provinces and First Nations work together to find solutions.”
To meet provincial highway standards, the project upgraded 57.8 kilometres of existing summer/winter road to all-season access by:
- removing existing infrastructure and building new ones, including bridges and culverts;
- constructing 7 kilometres of the new all-season access road; and
- reclaiming approximately 28.85 hectares of existing summer/winter road corridors.
“Our Government is committed to ensuring the safety of residents in Aboriginal communities,” said Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River, Alberta. “This project will enable the community to take advantage of key economic opportunities that will benefit Canada’s overall economy.”
“This road will enhance the quality of life of residents of Garden River and Fox Lake as it provides vital access to the community and extends provincial highway access to Wood Buffalo National Park,” said the Honourable Frank Oberle, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Peace River. “The Alberta government is pleased to continue to work in co-operation with the federal government on shared funding programs that benefit Albertans.”
This project was cost-shared with contributions of $23 million from the Government of Alberta, $19.3 million from the Government of Canada and $400,000 from Little Red River Cree Nation.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Moira Wolstenholme
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Alberta Regional Office
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development Canada
(780) 495-6638
Martin Dupuis
Alberta Transportation
780-427-1938
780-916-9625 (cell)
