September 20, 2004
Cross Lake Community Celebrates Start Of Year-Round Road Access
Cross Lake Community Celebrates Start Of Year-Round Road Access- - -
New Kichi Sipi Bridge Replaces Seasonal Ferry Service
Transportation and Government Services Minister Ron Lemieux today announced the opening of the new $25-million Kichi Sipi Bridge to provide all-weather access to the northern community of Cross Lake.
"The opening of the Kichi Sipi Bridge represents a significant investment by the province under our Northern Development Strategy to develop new economic opportunities for remote communities," said Lemieux. "We are very proud of the co-operation between the federal, provincial and municipal governments and the Cross Lake First Nation that provided the foundation for the successful completion of this project."
The project included six kilometres of new road, upgrades on PR 374 and construction of the new 260-metre Kichi Sipi Bridge across Pipestone Lake which is part of the Nelson River system. The project replaced the existing seasonal ferry service and winter ice road access to the community. Originally designated the Netnak Bridge, it has been renamed Kichi Sipi which means the Great River in Cree.
"The Kichi Sipi Bridge is a reflection of Manitoba's faith in the ability of Cross Lake's residents to envision and develop new economic opportunities now possible through this permanent link to our vast transportation system," said Lemieux.
Cross Lake is approximately 750 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
- 30 -