Up to 265 construction workers will soon call the RM of La Broquerie their new home.

The La Broquerie Council has approved the conditional use for some agriculture zoned land to be used as a temporary housing site for Valard Construction. The reason? The crew has been hired by Manitoba Hydro to build the Manitoba to Minnesota Transmission Line. The camp is to be set up along Highway 52 about one mile west of the village of La Broquerie.

“We picked this location for our camp because La Broquerie can offer us services and is also in the middle of the 121 km long project so it can service all ends,” says Valard Construction Manager Jaimie Creasy who notes that the work they are doing will span from Anola to the U.S. border.

Image showing the potential camp setup (Photo credit: RM of La Broquerie).

During Wednesday’s public hearing on the topic, some residents expressed concern about dust and traffic increases. However, Reeve Lewis Weiss feels these items will not be an issue. He says those developing the camp will be responsible for dust control, and adds that the traffic in and out of the site will likely be minimal during rush hour.

Weiss believes this influx of people could actually be a good thing for the community.

“I think we are fortunate that they chose our municipality to put the camp in,” comments the reeve, “they are going to be eating at local restaurants and buying local groceries, so it should be good.”

In addition to the potential economic stimulation, Creasy says they will also be offering local employment opportunities for operators and laborers.

Creasy notes that the site will be located roughly a quarter mile in from the highway and have its own well and septic systems set up. After the project is entirely finished, the area will be fully restored as agricultural land.

Crews could begin developing the grounds as early September 1st, however, they will be unable to do so unless Manitoba Hydro has met all conditions required of them by the National Energy Board.