Gravel Pit Development on Loon Lake Reserve for Highway 686 Construction
Official title: Loon River Cree Nation Borrow Pit Project
The Loon River Cree Nation wants to open a gravel pit on their reserve to supply materials for building Highway 686. The pit would extract 60,000 cubic meters of aggregate over 5-10 years. This means clearing undeveloped land and building a new access road.
Why This Matters
Live near Loon Lake Reserve No. 235? This project could bring construction traffic and noise for up to 10 years. The new highway could improve travel in the region, but the gravel pit means clearing previously undeveloped land.
What Could Change
If approved, the Loon River Cree Nation would receive permits to operate the gravel pit for 5-10 years. Highway 686 construction would proceed using locally-sourced materials. New access roads would be built on reserve land.
Key Issues
- Should the gravel pit be approved on previously undeveloped reserve land?
- What environmental impacts will clearing and grading have on the area?
Indigenous Consultation
This consultation requires engagement with Indigenous communities under the Crown's duty to consult.