Should a 141km All-Season Road Connect Three First Nations in Northern Manitoba?

Official title: Project 6 - All-Season Road Linking Manto Sipi Cree Nation, Bunibonibee Cree Nation and God's Lake First Nation Public Notice Public Comments Invited on the Draft Environmental Assessment Report and Potential Conditions

Closed Environmental Assessment Environment & Climate Indigenous & Northern Transportation
Manitoba wants to build a 141-kilometre gravel highway connecting three remote First Nations communities east of Lake Winnipeg. The road would link Manto Sipi Cree Nation, Bunibonibee Cree Nation, and God's Lake First Nation, including two bridges over God's River and Magill Creek. This is the final public comment period before the federal environment minister decides whether the project can proceed.

Why This Matters

Live in or near these communities? Year-round road access could transform daily life. Right now, residents rely on winter roads and expensive flights. Better access means easier travel for medical appointments, lower costs for groceries and supplies, and new economic opportunities. But construction could also affect local waterways and wildlife that communities depend on.

What Could Change

If the Minister approves, Manitoba could begin building the three-section highway with legally binding environmental conditions. These conditions would require specific mitigation measures and follow-up monitoring programs. If denied, the project cannot proceed as proposed.

Key Issues

  • Are the proposed mitigation measures adequate to protect the environment?
  • Are the draft conditions appropriate for this project?
  • What are the potential environmental effects and their significance?

How to Participate

  1. Review the draft Environmental Assessment Report to understand the agency's conclusions about environmental effects.
  2. Review the draft potential conditions that would be legally binding if the project is approved.
  3. Submit comments online through the project home page on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry.
  4. Alternatively, contact project6allseasonroad-projet6routetoutessaison@iaac-aeic.gc.ca to provide input in a different format.

Key Documents