It's Been A Year
I am Thankful for everyone who stood up with me, shared the story, signed the petition, and believed that there was another way. Because there was. And there still is.
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It’s been a year.
A full year since I answered a phone call from Stantec and learned that a proposed passing lane was going to run directly in front of our property. Right through the land that holds our highway store, our trees, and our story.
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Six months ago, after months of emails, phone calls, and advocacy, I got a new call—this time from the Ministry of Highways—letting me know they had chosen to go east of our property instead, just like I had suggested from the beginning.
UPDATE
Read the full story or catch the latest update, including a new article from CBC that shares the journey.
This land, this house, this store—they matter. And I’ll never stop protecting the roots that make Freba what it is.
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Freba Pottery has been a cherished part of Saskatchewan's tourism landscape for over 11 years, operating on the honor system and offering travelers a unique and welcoming stop along Highway 16. However, a proposal by the engineering firm Stantec to construct a westbound passing lane directly in front of Freba Pottery threatens to disrupt access to this iconic destination and the heritage property of Marea Olafson and Brad Knight. Since being told in May 2024 that this was being planned we have been working with Stantec, MLA, RM of Big Quill 308, Ministry of Highways, Critic for Highways but Stantec has sent in the proposal to still go in front of our property rather than just shifting to the East without any reason, so time to ask for help from everyone.Â
Why this Matters
Proposed Solutions
In May 2024, Stantec proposed a westbound passing lane that would:
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Shut Down Existing Driveways: Under current rules, the driveways providing access to Freba Pottery would be rerouted due to limitations on access points near passing lanes. In May the plan was to go through my front yard removing all the trees. Since it is a designated Heritage Site they cant do that, but they adamant to still have passing lane right infront of the yard.
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Create Accessibility Challenges: Visitors would face difficulty accessing Freba Pottery, potentially discouraging travelers from stopping at this Saskatchewan Tourism Destination.
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Impact Heritage Property: The property is a designated Municipal Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and historical value.
The three options under review are:
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Northern Driveway Access: Redirect the driveway north to connect with a grid road west of the property while maintaining the passing lane.
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Grid Road Relocation: Move Gudnason Road east to align with Freba Pottery’s driveway, retaining the passing lane.
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Shift the Passing Lane East: Reposition the passing lane to start east of the property, preserving the current access points.
This is the solution to date
Where we are at today!
We advocated for Scenario 3: shifting the passing lane east to avoid disrupting Freba Pottery and the heritage property.
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​It has been a full year since I answered a phone call from Stantec and learned that a proposed passing lane was going to run directly in front of our property. Right through the land that holds our highway store, our trees, and our story.
​
​Six months ago, after months of emails, phone calls, and advocacy, I got a new call—this time from the Ministry of Highways—letting me know they had chosen to go east of our property instead, just like I had suggested from the beginning.
​
By going to the east of the property they will not have to change any access points, no houses would be affected, no businesses would be affected.
I am thankful that I was heard
Thank you for all of your support to make this happen, not only for me, but for my business and for my family!
