Abstract
Historically, governments or authorities would decide the scope of work for large initiatives. In the case of the La Grande Alliance, the Cree Nation and the government of Quebec are taking a new approach for what may be one of the one of the North's most ambitious infrastructure initiatives. In the spirit of this collaboration Vision Eeyou Istchee was created to study an integrated infrastructure network in a manner that is consistent with balanced economic development while derisking future industrial projects in the territory. This presentation will take you on a journey inside the decision making and priority setting within this fascinating and transformative initiative.
The study commissioned to the Cree Development Corporation (CDC) by La Grande Alliance envisions a comprehensive infrastructure network, including roads, bridges, and railways, to facilitate the transportation needs to sustain growth for current and future mining initiatives. Stantec, Systra and Desfor, members of the Vision Eeyou Istchee consortium, worked with the CDC to engage with local communities, particularly the Cree Nation, and land users from the beginning and at an innovative level. This comprehensive engagement aimed to gain the vision, the co-design and social acceptability among the Cree Nation, local stakeholders and various levels of government. Improving safety and connectivity in the region, ensuring sustainable development and economic growth as well as protecting the Cree way of life were some of the priorities that resulted.