WINNIPEG, MB – The Manitoba government will make 7,500 litres of fuel available to the Sayisi Dene First Nation for emergency home-heating needs until a winter road connecting to the community is complete, Minister Ron Schuler said in a news release.

“Manitoba winters can be unpredictable and the demand for heating fuel can be a challenge to accurately predict,” said Schuler. “We were made aware of this urgent situation on Monday and quickly approved this temporary measure to get the community through this time.

“The completion of the winter road will allow proper resupply of fuel and many other essentials.”

The provincially operated Tadoule Lake Airport has made 7,500 litres of diesel fuel available to the First Nation until the winter road opens. The minister said the opening of the road was delayed by cold weather and excessive snow, and is now expected to open between Feb. 26 and 28.

In total, 23 communities rely on Manitoba’s 2,400-kilometre network of winter roads. In a typical season, more than 2,500 shipments are delivered to a large number of isolated northern communities. The system also provides road access for area residents.

Government of Manitoba

File photo