The northern village of Cumberland House, Sask., has declared a state of emergency due to poor road conditions on Highway 123, the only road in and out of the village. Locals describe the road as 97 kilometers of potholes and ruts that are causing damage to vehicles. Recent rainfall has made the road even more difficult to navigate, leading to concerns about food security as deliveries are being cut off. The community is estimating that they only have a two-week supply of fuel left at their local store, forcing them to consider flying in groceries to meet their needs.
Leaders in Cumberland House are calling on the province to provide assistance and find a long-term solution to the road issues. Deputy Mayor Veronica Favel and Mayor Ferlin McKay have been advocating for improvements to the highway for years, with little response from the government. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has stated that the province will work with the community on immediate fixes while considering long-term solutions. Discussions with the Ministry of Highways have indicated a plan to spend $3.3 million this summer on repairs to the road, but McKay is hoping for quicker action to address the road conditions.
The community of Cumberland House is feeling the effects of the poor road conditions, with limited access to essential supplies and resources. Residents are only able to travel on the road using four-by-four vehicles, and concerns about safety and damage to vehicles are rising. This situation has prompted the declaration of a state of emergency in the village, highlighting the urgency of the road repairs and the need for government intervention. The community is calling for the province to listen to their concerns and prioritize improvements to the highway for the well-being of all residents.
Mayor McKay emphasized the importance of building up a proper drainage system and adding more gravel to the road to improve its condition. Without these improvements, the community will continue to face challenges with transportation and delivery of essential goods. While Premier Moe has committed to working with the community on immediate fixes and allocating funding for repairs, residents are hoping for timely action to address the critical situation. As food security becomes a concern and resources dwindle, the government’s support in improving the road conditions is essential for the well-being of Cumberland House residents.
The ongoing struggles with the highway in Cumberland House are not new, with local leaders expressing frustration over the lack of action from the government in the past. Despite multiple requests for improvements and attention to the road conditions, residents have seen little progress in addressing the issue. Deputy Mayor Favel emphasized the need for the province to listen to the concerns of those who use the highway daily and to prioritize the well-being of the community. With the declaration of a state of emergency and worsening road conditions, the time to act and provide support to Cumberland House is now more critical than ever.
As discussions continue between the community, local leadership, and the provincial government, the focus remains on finding immediate solutions to the road conditions in Cumberland House. Premier Moe’s commitment to working with the community on repairs and allocating funds for improvements is a step in the right direction. However, residents are hopeful that the government will prioritize the long-term sustainability and safety of the highway to ensure the well-being and accessibility of the community. With food security concerns looming and limited access to essential supplies, the urgency of addressing the road conditions in Cumberland House is clear, and the support of the government is vital in finding lasting solutions for the community.
