The Saskatchewan community of Leader has named Highway 32 after the province’s highways minister.
But Eldon Lautermilch Way is not an honour. Instead, it’s the latest attempt to get the road between Leader and Swift Current fixed.
Last year, the community used bumper stickers, a website and a calendar featuring naked and nearly naked community members to draw attention to the pothole-ridden road.
Wayne Elhard, Saskatchewan Party MLA for Cypress Hills, invited Lautermilch to visit the road named in his honour and offered suggestions to make the trip more pleasurable.
Read Also
Man charged after assault at grain elevator
RCMP have charged a 51-year-old Weyburn man after an altercation at the Pioneer elevator at Corinne, Sask. July 22.
“First, the minister should bring a map so that he can see the importance of this highway to the region it serves,” Elhard said during question period.
“Secondly, the minister should bring a copy of the budget so that he can see how much royalty revenue is generated to the province’s coffers from that region.
“And finally … a pair of orange rubber boots would help keep his feet dry from all the water in those potholes.”
Lautermilch did not play along, preferring instead to challenge Elhard to a debate on equalization and remind him that the Progressive Conservative government in the 1980s sold highways equipment at 15 cents on the dollar.
Lautermilch also noted that the highways department recently announced a long-term commitment to build and repair roads based on economic activity in the regions they serve.
It has set aside funds for roads in the Lloydminster area affected by oil and gas activity. Highway 32 also carries energy development traffic, as well as agricultural vehicles.
