Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government has announced $6 million to help 32 remote First Nation communities and the Town of Moosonee build and operate 3,200 kilometres of temporary winter roads for the 2022-23 season.
“The winter road network is part of our government’s vision to ensure prosperity, accessibility and connectivity is possible in every region,” said Greg Rickford, minister of Northern development. “With this investment, we are helping Far North communities achieve their full economic potential and improve quality of life for northerners.”
A multi-year funding commitment will provide seasonal connections to all-season roads and makes it easier for remote communities to transport essential goods and services, such as food, medical and construction supplies. The network serves over 24,000 Ontarians.
At 3,200 kilometres, Ontario’s winter roads network is the longest in Canada. The network serves a population of approximately 24,000 across 32 remote Indigenous communities and the Town of Moosonee. Typically, these roads are open for approximately six to 11 weeks per year from late January until the end of March.
The Ontario government is also providing $2 million to Windigo First Nations Council to replace ice bridges with pre-engineered portable bridges and culverts. Replacing ice bridges is creating opportunities for social and economic prosperity in these communities by improving the reliability, safety, and environmental impact of the winter roads network.
“Improving winter roads is one of more than 60 actions outlined in our government’s Northern Ontario Transportation Plan to help provide more safe and reliable travel options for remote and First Nation communities,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “This investment will help ensure northern communities have access to the supplies and essential services they need when they need them, including fuel, food, and basic amenities.”
The province has released Connecting the North: A Draft Transportation Plan for Northern Ontario, which is available in Cree, Oji-Cree and Ojibway.