Former Long Plain Chief Dennis Meeches was at the Long Plain First Nation grand opening of their Petro-Canada fuel station, and celebrated the economic growth of their Arrowhead Development Corporation. He says the previous administration worked with CEO Terry Myran to get it off the ground.
"I think Long Plain's economic vision would include converting their independent gas stations to Petro-Can, and also, I think the future for Long Plain Arrowhead Development Corporation looks very, very good. The project will be at Highways 1 and 16. This Travel Centre was initially looked at being developed at Keeshkeemaquah by the previous administration. We had some challenges with that and I think, now that they recently purchased a property at the Number 1 and 16's NW side, that's a beautiful spot."
Meeches says the NDP government seems to be more receptive to work with Indigenous governments and companies. He notes that makes them hopeful to move this project along.
"I think the first task would be to convert that to Reserve Status before the development begins," continues Meeches. "So, we might be a few years away for that one. I think Long Plain is leading the way with previous councils through the years and our council today."
He feels this means a bright future for their nation.
The station to be constructed at 1 & 16 was intended to be on recently-constructed Ginew Road just as you come off the Trans-Canada into Keeshkeemaquah.
"Now, this site is actually more viable. It's a great location. The city is actually coming west down to Yellowhead, so you see a lot of development happening there," notes Meeches. "The new property is straight across from the Jim Pallister Farm. I think it's a great location and it'll provide a lot of jobs for people. Currently, our corporation is holding around 250-300 staff members, That doesn't include our government staff. I can see 1,000 people working for Long Plain within the next five to ten years, which Is good."
In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.