The leadership of a First Nation in southern Manitoba is urging the provincial authorities to eliminate a gas pipeline that traverses its land, citing potential risks to the community with no corresponding benefits. Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation stated in a letter that legal action will be pursued to safeguard its territory if the government and Manitoba Hydro fail to initiate actions for the removal of the gas line, which intersects a 1.5-kilometre portion of Roseau’s primary reserve.
The correspondence, directed to Premier Wab Kinew and Hydro CEO Allan Danroth, highlighted the absence of any economic advantages for the community from the gas line, emphasizing concerns about safety hazards like fires and explosions. Despite the gas line passing through Roseau River, a 2024 Hydro report indicated that the First Nation lacked access to natural gas services, with no direct benefits for heating or energy provision to its homes.
The gas main travels along Provincial Road 201 and crosses beneath the Red River, connecting two segments of a forthcoming 36.6-kilometre natural gas transmission line linking facilities near Dominion City and Altona. Construction is scheduled to commence this summer following project approval from the province’s environmental approvals branch in March. The 2024 Hydro report, prepared for Centra Gas, underscored the necessity of enhancing the gas network in southern Manitoba to meet the rising demand from urban expansion and agricultural producers.
While affirming that the project will not disturb Roseau’s territory, the report acknowledged the First Nation’s concerns regarding construction-related issues and safety protocols in case of emergencies such as leaks or explosions. Roseau River representatives expressed unease about historical incidents in southern Manitoba involving gas line ruptures and explosions, emphasizing the community’s unwillingness to tolerate such risks.
Manitoba Hydro and the provincial government are currently reviewing the community’s concerns but have refrained from providing detailed comments. Roseau River has questioned the potential benefits, revenue sharing, and employment opportunities arising from the project, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and meaningful engagement with the First Nation.
The letter issued by Roseau River asserted that any unauthorized entry onto the territory without explicit consent from the chief and council would be deemed trespassing, indicating a firm stance on protecting their land rights. The leadership emphasized the necessity of respectful and equitable interactions in addressing the community’s grievances, underscoring their determination to safeguard their interests and treaty rights amidst ongoing discussions with the authorities.