Manitoba Government Road Transfer Agreement Increases Access for Northern Manitobans

April 19, 2024

The Keeyask Generating Station’s north and south access roads have been transferred from Manitoba Hydro to Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) as part of an agreement that will see the once privately owned roads become part of Provincial Road (PR) 280, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced today.

“We understand the importance of safe and reliable highway infrastructure for rural communities who may otherwise have limited travel options,” said Naylor. “Provincial Road 280 is a major link for many northern communities to reach larger city centres. We are proud to move forward with Manitoba Hydro to rehabilitate the road system and decrease travel distance between Gillam and Thompson.”

PR 280 was first constructed as a permanent gravel highway in 1987, existing as the only road access from Thompson to Gillam. The Keeyask access road was built for the construction of the Keeyask project and connects PR 280 and Gillam via the Keeyask site. The Keeyask project was completed in 2022. The transfer of the access road means a considerably shorter travel distance between Gillam and Thompson.

“We know the local communities have been looking forward to using the Keeyask access road to shorten the time to drive between Thompson and Gillam,” said Hal Turner, interim president, Manitoba Hydro. “The new road link will make it more convenient and safer for people to travel in Manitoba’s north.”

Both Manitoba Hydro and the Manitoba government agreed the roads would be transferred to MTI once the Keeyask station became operational, the minister noted, adding As part of this agreement, Manitoba Hydro provided the province with $4 million for road upgrades, which have recently been completed and Manitobans are now able to use the upgraded road.

“With the opening of the new PR 280 route, our community members can get to many amenities in a timelier manner.” said Mayor Dwayne Forman, Town of Gillam. “Although it will still take two-and-half hours to get to the nearest lumber and hardware, and other businesses not available in our community, saving 30 minutes is a huge improvement. I would like to thank all groups associated with making this new route a reality for the community members of Gillam and Fox Lake.”

Increasing access to northern Manitoba with this roadway opens the possibilities of improved transportation for people as well as goods and services into Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Gillam, and Thompson which are all located near or along this vital route, the minister said.

Manitoba Hydro is a provincial Crown corporation and one of the largest integrated electricity and natural gas distribution utilities in Canada.

Keeyask is Manitoba Hydro’s newest generating station. It was developed as a collaborative effort between Manitoba Hydro and four Manitoba First Nations – Tataskweyak Cree Nation and War Lake First Nation, York Factory First Nation, and Fox Lake Cree Nation – who are owners under the Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership (KHLP). Manitoba Hydro operates the station on behalf of the KHLP.

To learn more about Manitoba Hydro, visit www.hydro.mb.ca/.

To learn more about MTI’s ongoing projects, visit www.gov.mb.ca/mti/projects.html.

For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

NT6