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Conklin leaders "shocked" at decision to defer construction of the Multiplex

Last Updated Jul 22, 2016 at 9:53 am MDT

Progress on the Conklin Multiplex construction site as of June 19, 2016. Used with permission of Gene Ouellette.

The Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee says it is shocked that RMWB Council decided to shelve the Conklin Multiplex project earlier this week.

In a release sent to media Thursday afternoon the CRDAC says the people of Conklin have been dealt a major blow.

“The cancelation / delay of this project after the official ground breaking on Oct. 27, 2014 over which prayers were made by our Elders, and for which Council voted unanimously multiple times and not to mention attending a Council Engagement Session immediately afterwards and over 15 public engagements throughout the years, is a complete and utter breach of faith.”

The $50 million dollar project would provide recreation services, programming for youth and elders and a potential location to house a nursing station.

Construction on the project has already begun and Bird Construction the lead contractor on the build was intended to hire local first, a boost to the local economy through the downturn as many Conklin residents have been laid off.

“This will have a devastating effect on the people and their families who are looking for work during these trying times. This region as a whole has endured a lot economically and to take away promising jobs at the expense of a hasty decision is incredibly shocking.”

The fact that the decision took place during the Lac St. Anne Pilgrimmage, one of the holiest weeks of the year for Aboriginal peoples according to the CRDAC makes the pill even tougher to swallow as many community members weren’t even in the region.

“It should be of no surprise to anyone that the residents of Conklin feel blindsided and are shocked that [the] RMWB would choose the holiest day in the Métis calendar to vote to defer the Multiplex when, just days before, the project was on the resume list for capital projects and was led to believe otherwise.”

The Committee says the decision has broken trust, led to a loss of hope and respect and will not be easily repaired.