| Weaselhead Society president Brent Johner is a relieved man this week after hearing about a new agreement in principle signed by the Tsuu T’ina First Nation and the provincial government to build a ring road in Calgary’s southwest.
A ring road through the Tsuu T’ina First Nation would ensure that the road wouldn’t have to be built through the Weaselhead natural area, which Johner describes as Calgary’s "crown jewel." Some aldermen had suggested cutting through the ecologically sensitive area might be the only option because negotiations between the First Nation were dragging on.
"There were people who thought we’d never be able to get an agreement with Tsuu T’ina so we should go through the Weaselhead," says Johner. "(The new agreement) strengthens the hand of those who want to protect the Weaselhead."
However, Johner says his society won’t feel completely reassured until the final agreement is signed between the province and the First Nation.
"This deal could still fall through so the Weaselhead isn’t out of the woods yet," he says.
Under the new agreement, the Tsuu T’ina has agreed to transfer title of land to the provincial government so that the road can be built. The four-lane freeway will connect Highway 22 and Sarcee Trail. The province has started to work on an engineering plan for the highway that will determine its alignment.
Meanwhile Tsuu T’ina citizens will vote on the ring road agreement as part of a June 30 referendum. |
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