Membertou interchange will allow access to commercial development

MembertouFirst Nationhas opened aninterchange that provides direct access from the highwayinto the community.

Construction on the $8-million project began inthe summer of 2012.

• Membertou takes greater control of its land

• Housing cost increase worries Membertou band member

Membertou is already one of the most successful and fastest growing aboriginal communities in the country.

Chief Terry Paul says the interchange not onlyoffers a second roadway into Membertou, but will also provide direct access toa major retail development the band hopes to begin work on thissummer.

"It's very important because it connects us with the rest of the public. It's part of doing business and we just want to bepart of that."

The 80-hectareChurchill Crossing will feature big box stores, retail outlets and a housing development.

It will all be located on band-owned landoffHighway 125, across from the community.

Paul says the developmentwill be similar to Dartmouth Crossing but on a smaller scale.

The retail part of the sitewill be built in phases over the next five years.