Dennis SmookThe MLA for La Verendrye says concerns about the location of a new Manitoba-Minnesota hydro transmission line may have fallen off the radar for some people but adds the issue is still very much alive. Dennis Smook says people in communities like La Broquerie still want to know why the line has to run right next to them.

"People just want to know why that route was chosen because there are less intrusive routes. The RM of Reynolds has offered for the line to run as much as it can through their RM, going through less populated areas. And that's all we've been asking for."

Smook recently asked the Minister of Hydro why that route was chosen. He says Eric Robinson told the Legislature the route had been decided a long time ago. Smook says that seems to contradict Manitoba Hydro's announcement in late September that it had just made the decision. He adds that leads him to believe the public hearing process was simply an attempted public relations exercise.

Smook urges people to continue being vocal and asking questions because there is still time to change the route.

"People are losing hope but there still is time because there's been no spades in the ground, there's been no brush-clearing done. There absolutely is time."

Read more:

Hydro Decides On Route Near Richer And La Broquerie

La Broquerie Resident Feels Bullied By Manitoba Hydro