The Keeley Lake community in Northern Saskatchewan is grappling with several issues that need immediate attention. Voting rights and the ability to manage affairs empowers them to tackle these challenges effectively.
Road Maintenance and Safety Issues
Keeley Lake’s roads are in poor condition. Large potholes have been left unaddressed for months, posing serious risks to drivers. Additionally, brush clearing has not been done in over a decade, increasing the likelihood of wildlife collisions. Snow plowing is inconsistent, making winter travel difficult and unsafe. Furthermore, wildfire evacuation routes lack proper maintenance, endangering residents during emergencies.
Solution: Keeley Lake hamlet allows the community to manage road maintenance more effectively. Section 43(1)(g) of the Northern Municipalities Act, 2010, permits a service district to handle road planning, design, construction, and maintenance. With hamlet status, Keeley Lake ensures regular road repairs, consistent snow plowing, and safe evacuation routes.
Inadequate Emergency Services
Emergency services in Keeley Lake are currently insufficient. Residents lack reliable fire prevention, policing, and ambulance services, which are crucial for protecting lives and property.
Solution: A hamlet, Keeley Lake gains control over its emergency services. Section 43(1)(a) of the Northern Municipalities Act, 2010, allows a service district to provide protective and emergency services. This would ensure that residents have access to timely and efficient emergency responses, safeguarding their homes and families.
Environmental and Recreational Concerns
The community faces environmental and recreational challenges as well. Increased fishing pressure necessitates more trout stocking to support wildlife conservation and tourism. In 2024, Fern Lake received 13,000 rainbow trout fingerlings, and Atchison Lake got 5,000 brook trout fingerlings, but this is not enough to meet the rising demand. Broad Creek, a vital access point to Keeley Lake, is hindered by sediment buildup, creating safety hazards for watercraft and preventing recreational activities. This also affects indigenous communities’ ability to harvest rice and fish.
Solution: Hamlet status enables Keeley Lake to address these environmental concerns more proactively. The community could work with relevant agencies to increase trout stocking and manage the dredging of Broad Creek. This would ensure safe access to recreational activities and support the subsistence needs of indigenous populations.
The Keeley Lake community needs the right to vote and self-govern to effectively address its unique challenges. This hamlet empowers residents to manage road maintenance, improve emergency services, and tackle environmental issues. This recognition would enhance the quality of life for Keeley Lake residents and ensure a safer, more sustainable future for the community.
