JUNE 2014
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the ESRAhas signed community benefit agree-
ments with thirteen First Nations communities
in order to generate jobs, training, economic
development opportunities and an overall im-
proved quality of life for local residents.
FORMING THE INITIATIVE:
The ESTI aims to link up isolated communi-
ties on the eastside of Lake Winnipeg, sparked
by a greater need for these First Nations com-
munities to be connected to the outside world
and to address the impacts of Climate Change
on winter roads. “Our plan is to make strate-
gic improvements to the winter road system to
make it last longer,” advocates Ernie Gilroy,
CEO of the ESRA. Gilroy, who has dabbled
into Manitoba’s political circle as a member of
Winnipeg’s City Council and worked alongside
the Provincial and Federal Government, uses
his vast experience to help guide the venture.
Prior to taking on the all-season road project,
Gilroy spearheaded the Red River Floodway
Expansion Project – a massive flood protec-
tion project for the City of Winnipeg – which
was delivered on time and under budget by $38
million.
The all-season road project is also a mas-
sive undertaking. Estimated at $3 billion
(2011$), the initiative is a long-term haul and
