There was another community focus meeting at the Anowarakowa Arena in regards to the Kawehnoke Corridor project on June 26, 2017. The meeting began around 6:00 pm, with a dinner provided to community members who attended the meeting. This meeting was one of many that have been held in the previous months to inform the community on the future plans for the Kawehnoke corridor. The community has been invited to multiple meetings and encouraged to give feedback and to see and hear for themselves what the preliminary plans are.

The Federal Bridge Corporation, which oversees the Seaway International Bridge Corporation, has been funding to improve the island corridor from the foot of the new low-level bridge to Cornwall, to the crossroads on Kawehnoke. This is the final phase of the low-level bridge project. The FBCL has contracted Mohawk Council of Akwesasne to oversee components of this project and to conduct a comprehensive environment assessment and community engagement.

The community focus meetings have been instrumental in getting community members’ feedback. Some community members have attended more than one focus meeting and have been helping to get the word out. The meetings have had the same presentation, but different people each time to give their input. The plans for the corridor were made back in 2009, but it seems now that the plans no longer serve to benefit Kawehnoke or Akwesasne as a whole. There was a proposed roundabout at the four corners, and a memorial park at the south end of the Cornwall Bridge. Community members have expressed their opinions and the majority of community members do not agree with the 2009 plans.

There have been many great questions, like if the funding can be used elsewhere. The question was asked to the FBCL, and they did not say no or yes, so that is something that can be looked into. As of right now, MCA’s Dept. of Tehotiiennawakon and Environment Program along with Dept. of Technical Services have been at the forefront of the project and heading the focus meetings. The main objective is to gather everyone’s input as to what effects the proposed improvement project will have on the environment, from all aspects of life including culture. Plant life, animal species, traditional medicines, historical significance, present uses are all aspects of the environment that will be examined and everyone’s knowledge in these areas will be vital and appreciated in the end.

Community members will also have the opportunity to review the preliminary plans for the improvement project, which currently includes:

• A park at the base of the bridge

• Widening of the roadway

• Construction of access roads to properties along the corridor

• A roundabout replacing the “crosswords” intersection sidewalks constructed along the corridor, and a designated path for ATVs

• Traditional signage & more

The plans for the corridor have not been finalized in the completed project plan and everyone’s comments and feedback are encouraged as plans are developed. If community members are not able to make it to a focus meeting, someone can come do a home visit. Curtis Lazore has been happy to come to community member’s homes to help inform and get feedback. If you have any questions, you can contact Project Lead Curtis Lazore at MCA’s Environment Office, 613-575-2250 ext. 1044.