The leadership of a First Nation in southern Manitoba is urging the provincial government to remove a gas main that traverses its territory, citing safety concerns and lack of benefits. Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation has warned of legal action if steps are not taken by the government and Manitoba Hydro to eliminate the gas line, which cuts through a significant portion of the community’s main reserve.
In a letter addressed to Premier Wab Kinew and Hydro CEO Allan Danroth, the community expressed dissatisfaction with the gas line’s presence, stating it offers no economic advantages while posing potential safety hazards like fires and explosions. Despite the gas line passing through Roseau River, the First Nation does not have access to natural gas services, as highlighted in a 2024 Hydro report.
Coun. Evan Roberts emphasized that the gas line does not serve the community in any way and only serves neighboring regions. The gas main, located along Provincial Road 201 and crossing beneath the Red River, is part of a larger project connecting Dominion City and Altona with a new natural gas transmission line segment.
Construction of the 36.6-kilometre transmission line is scheduled to commence this summer following environmental approvals by the province. The project aims to enhance capacity in southern Manitoba’s gas network to meet growing demands from urban expansion and agricultural activities.
While the Hydro report assured no ground disturbance on Roseau River’s lands, concerns raised by the First Nation include construction-related issues and safety protocols in case of emergencies. The community referenced past incidents in southern Manitoba, emphasizing the need to mitigate risks associated with the gas line.
Manitoba Hydro and the provincial government are currently reviewing the matter but have refrained from providing detailed comments. Roseau River is seeking fair compensation, revenue sharing, and employment opportunities resulting from the project, aiming to address historical disparities in benefitting from activities on its territory.
The community emphasized that unauthorized entry onto their land will be treated as trespassing unless explicitly authorized. Plans are in place to prevent Hydro personnel from conducting activities on their territory if concerns are not addressed satisfactorily. Roseau River remains steadfast in upholding its treaty rights and ensuring that previous processes related to the gas line are reconsidered.
Chief Gary Roberts has opted not to comment at this time, awaiting the province’s response to the community’s concerns.