Saskatchewan's oldest settlement considers declaring state of emergency over crumbling highway
CTV
The mayor of Cumberland House says he’s considering declaring a state of emergency over the deteriorating condition of the only highway in and out of the village.
The mayor of Cumberland House says he’s considering declaring a state of emergency over the deteriorating condition of the only highway in and out of the village.
Saskatchewan Highway 123, the only road in and out of the province’s oldest settlement, has gotten so bad this year that locals say they’re often forced to go through the ditch to avoid getting stuck in the mud.
In the weeks since village officials spoke with CTV News about their concerns, rainfall across the province has just made matters worse, according to Mayor Ferlin McKay.
“It’s showering rain on everything and it’s really damaging our highways,” he told CTV News on Wednesday.
Only trucks with four-wheel drive can get in and out of the community, he said, making it difficult for those who have to travel regularly for medical appointments.
Even a tow truck got stuck this month while trying to pick up a medical truck that died trying to navigate the potholes and ruts, according to the village administrator.
On May 9, the manager of the local gas station said she was unable to get fuel into the community, and they were taking personal vehicles to restock what they could.
