'Deplorable and deteriorating conditions': Cumberland House under state of emergency

“The road is impassable to the transportation of important goods and services for our citizens.”

Published May 24, 2024 • Last updated 5 hours ago • 3 minute read

With rains washing out Highway 123, which is the lone road into the community, Cumberland House officials on Friday, May 24, 2024 announced that they had declared a state of emergency in the village and Cree Nation. Photo by Village of Cumberland /SUPPLIED

With rains washing out the lone road into the community, Cumberland House officials say they had no other option than to declare a state of emergency.

Recent rains and spring conditions have washed out Highway 123 leading into Cumberland House, largely limiting emergency supplies and service access to the village as well as the nearby Cree Nation.

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After days of pleading with the province and issuing warnings, the community, with support from Cumberland Cree Nation and Metis Nation-Saskatchewan, announced Friday that the region is under a state of emergency.

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“The deplorable and deteriorating conditions of Highway 123 puts the health and well-being of our community members in jeopardy,” said Cumberland House Mayor Ferlin McKay.

“We are at a critical point and we’re calling on the federal and provincial governments to meet with our leadership immediately. The road is impassable to the transportation of important goods and services for our citizens. Essential things like milk, bread, baby formula and prescription medications are dwindling and impeding access to emergency services, and fly in services is alarming.”

Cumberland House is located approximately 450 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. The village and the First Nation each have a population of between 700 and 800 people.

Premier Scott Moe, speaking last week at an event on Whitecap Dakota First Nation, said the Cumberland House community will be a “priority for conversations” with the provincial highways department. Investing needs to continue, with focus “on communities like Cumberland House,” he said.

“We’ll work with the community on any immediate challenges that they have and also work with the community on what the investment looks like for that road in the future, and I would say it needs to be more, not less.”

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Moe noted the wide array of roadway challenges faced by communities under a variety of circumstances. He acknowledged that living “in our province’s north does bring with it some challenges that are not unique but not uncommon either.”

Under dry conditions, forest fires are front of mind, Moe said. When there is heavy rainfall, washed-out roads become an issue. Communities across Saskatchewan have gravel access roads that need to be looked at and maintained, he said.

There is “more work to do,” Moe added. “That’s true across the province.”

Cumberland Cree Nation Chief Rene Chaboyer said officials were “urgently” calling on the provincial and federal governments for immediate action “to address the dire situation” on Highway 123.

“We need a safe and reliable access for emergency services, food supplies, and vital resources,” Chaboyer added.

“Immediate action needs to be taken to repair the road and come up with a long-term plan to replace the poorly constructed highway.”

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan director Ryan Carriere said current road conditions “pose a significant threat to the safety and livelihoods” of residents in the area, and called for”swift intervention to prevent further harm.”

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