Residents in southeastern Manitoba will get another chance to state their opposition to the location of a planned Manitoba/Minnesota hydro transmission line. Residents of La Broquerie have been particularly critical of the route which runs along the east side of the community. They suggest it should go further east where there's plenty of uninhabited land.

Manitoba Conservation Minister Tom Nevakshonoff has asked the Clean Environment Commission to hold independent hearings into the route.

"There are still concerns with the general public so, on that basis, erring on the side of caution, I want to bring in the CEC in to an independent analysis of this and give us their recommendations. I just think that it's good public policy when you're dealing with a multi-million dollar capital project such as this that all Manitobans have an opportunity to put their thoughts on the public record."

Nevakshonoff says he knows it will be impossible to please everyone on this matter.

"In my years in government, I've certainly learned that lesson. But I've also learned, participating in many public hearings myself over the years, it's always informative when the general public comes in and tells you their individual stories. I've learned over the years that that has a high value."

The Clean Environment Commission says dates for the hearings will be announced in the coming months.

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