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By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

july 25

Province paying upfront costs of paving at Ermineskin ahead of papal visit

Jul 8, 2022 | 3:05 PM

Several stretches of road in the Maskwacis area are to be paved ahead of an upcoming visit from the Pope.

The papal visit is scheduled for July 25, as part of his ‘Walking Together’ tour, which also includes Edmonton and a couple other stops across the country.

Alberta Transportation confirms that it is paying upfront costs to pave the following stretches of road:

-Old Schoolhouse Road from Highway 611 to near the Ermineskin Elementary School

-Roads within Maskwa Park

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-Agriplex Road from Old Schoolhouse Road to the cemetery

-Parking lot of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Catholic Church

The province says it hopes to work with the federal government to recoup these costs, with none of them being put on the First Nations in Maskwacis.

However, actual dollar figures are hard to come by at this moment, according to Hadyn Place, Acting Chief of Staff for the Ministry of Transportation

“Alberta Transportation is supporting the events at Maskwacis and Lac St. Anne in part by upgrading infrastructure primarily along community roadways,” says Place. “The traffic anticipated for these events will far exceed any normal community traffic, and are required to prevent roadway failures and disruptions to buses transporting public or key officials to the sites.”

Place adds that the government is, “proud to support this historical Papal Visit and its spirit of reconciliation. Besides infrastructure upgrades, other supports include logistics, transportation, media, and public health and safety measures. Alberta’s government will work with other partners on potential cost-sharing for the Papal visit.”

Crews began work the week of June 27, with completion set for mid-July. It will take place primarily during daylight hours.

rdnewsNOW reached out to Ermineskin officials, who weren’t available for comment.