Ernst Hansch Construction Ltd. (Hansch) has worked as a design-builder to develop a new master plan for new business development for Long Plains First Nation. Phase one of the project is currently under construction and includes new infrastructure to access the future building sites.

Phase one features the following main components:

• – 900 metres of new water main
• – 800 metres of new sewer line
• – 345 metres of new land drainage systems (LDS)
• – 800 metres of new roadway

The ground where the new infrastructure is being constructed is comprised mainly of sand. Lake Manitoba is located approximately 30 km north of the building site poses a challenge as the water migrates through the sandy soil and into the excavations. To overcome the high fluctuating water levels within the excavations, Hansch has installed a dewatering system which maintains a water level low enough to complete the work.