The Gateway Keewatin Corridor Group has formed a special committee to advocate the Manitoba Government for capital upgrades to Highway 283 west of The Pas.
Gateway Keewatin Corridor Inc. has spent the past number of years working on a inter provincial trade corridor between The Pas Manitoba and Nipawin Saskatchewan.
This corridor will benefit both provinces through increased economic activity, greater access to customers and economic savings for businesses as well as public safety.
“It is encouraging to see the grassroot initiative to advocate for this highway to become part of the vision for a connected western Canada Highway system, similar to Highway 1 in the south”, said Leonard Gluska, President of the Gateway Keewatin group. “Our advocacy is nearly finished in Saskatchewan and our focus is on Manitoba.”
Completion of the highway upgrades will have increased provincial economic benefits for The Pas and region and the Port of Churchill. This highway route is also an important regional link to the grain belt in Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Edmonton and northern parts of the western provinces. The corridor will also attract investment along its route and provide significant economic development prospects.
“The improvements to highway 283 will allow for heavier loads to be transported along the corridor including grain, raw wood and wood chips coming to The Pas. This will have an economic benefit in the millions of dollars for our region and new jobs”, said Alan McLauchlan- committee lead. “Not only forestry will benefit, but mining, tourism, agriculture, and other regional industries”.
“This route is part of our northern heritage that involves trade, commerce and connecting with our relatives and friends”, says Gluska. “There are large amounts of commodities waiting to be moved safely and seamlessly at industrial primary weights year-round.”
Committee members represent various stakeholders from the region and include agriculture, forestry, business, mining and local government.
The committee hopes to meet with the Manitoba Government in the fall of this year.
