Several city councillors expressed their disappointment regarding the provincial Infrastructure Minister’s response to the distance between rest rooms along Highway 6.

At this week’s city hall meeting, council reacted to the letter sent by Ron Schuler, who wrote that Manitoba Infrastructure acknowledges that remoteness and longer distances between communities in the north has always been a challenge.

Schuler says that wayside parks would likely not be an option, due to vandalism and cleanliness being issues in sustaining them, stating that the Devils Lake Wayside Park has been closed for several years due to this reason.

He adds that while it was unfortunate that the Ponton service station burned down last summer, providing restroom facilities for public use along the highway are typically provided by the private sector, and if a private entity wanted to provide those services, Manitoba Infrastructure would consider supporting where appropriate.

Schuler goes on to say that Manitoba Infrastructure will review signage between Thompson and Grand Rapids, as well as south of Grand Rapids, to let travelers know that there will be no rest facilities along that stretch of highway.