Connections to the Poplar River were significantly reduced following the loss of a barge that assumed a large portion of indigenous community deliveries. The situation is causing anxiety in this First Nation in northeast Manitoba.
The community does not have a road network that allows truck delivery at all times. And only small planes can reach the Poplar River because of the narrow airstrip.
The explosion on the MV Poplar River barge in early May left the community, located on Lake Winnipeg, 350 kilometers from the Manitoba capital, relatively isolated. He no longer had a way to deliver heavy and large items inside or outside the warehouse.
This is a real test for our communityChef Vera Mitchell told CBC News.
The best mode of transportation in the community is by plane, but this remains very limited because the airstrip is only suitable for aircraft that can accommodate nine passengers.
We cannot carry tools, equipment, wood materials, fuel and food shipments by air.said Mitchell.
A road is open in winter, from January to March, but is not always passable due to bad weather. Therefore, it only offers a small window to supply the community with fuel, non -perishable food and household products, Vera Mitchell said.
Looking for alternatives
During the summer, the province still provides some form of water transportationhe says. A barge or service boat available to the community for delivery.
Since the MV Poplar River exploded, the community has been looking for solutions. He hopes he can find some from Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (OCPED), the federal agency responsible for interprovincial and foreign trade in fish products.
this is’Freshwater who owned and operated the barge. He also used to, buy fish from the Poplar River community for commercial purposes. So far, the country has had no news from federal authorities, but also from the provinces.
We are really worried and we are hoping for government intervention. We need alternatives to drive deliveries and ship our fish productsexplanation by Vera Mitchell.
The community is concerned for its members working in the fishing sector. Of the 1,200 people living on the reserve, 10% make a living from this activity. Next season, which begins in June, promises to be particularly difficult in current circumstances.
This is our livelihood, says Ms. Mitchell. We are looking for alternatives to deliver our fish and receive our deliveries. This is the crisis.
A long -term solution
According to Chief Vera Mitchell, the situation demonstrates the need to find a lasting solution to the transportation problem in her community.
It calls for the relocation of its airstrip, the establishment of a year -round road, and a boat transportation system on Lake Winnipeg.
The airstrip shift has been discussed for more than 20 years, Chief Mitchell said. In its current state, the runway cannot accommodate an ambulance jet in case of an emergency. Runway deficiencies were mentioned in 1998 in a provincial aviation safety report.
The provincial spokesman told CBC News that the airstrip relocation could take place in 2025-2026. Work to provide a better air link to the Poplar River Nation is expected to take approximately five years.
It’s frustrating because we still have to wait, laments Vera Mitchell. We are not a priority.
Source: Radio-Canada