Plans to widen Highway 17 in Kenora moving forward
Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney and Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford announced on February 5 that the province had signed a memorandum of understanding with First Nations groups as a step toward widening and twinning Highway 17 between Kenora and the Manitoba border.
The expanded project will reduce travel times through highway corridors, critical trade links and international gateways, while promoting economic development and safety. Up to 7,500 vehicles travel Highway 17 between the Manitoba border and Highway 673 each day.
Niiwin Wendaanimok is a partnership of four First Nations with interests in the project area. It consists of the governments of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, Washagamis Bay First Nation, Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation, and Niisaachewan Anishinaabe First Nation.
The memorandum of understanding between the government and the First Nations groups will guide the relationship and the engagement processes for the project in the spirit of co-operation and collaboration.
“From time immemorial, resource-sharing in our territory has been guided by Manito Aki Inakonigaawin – our Great Earth Law,” said Chief Chris Skead of the Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation. “When we follow this path and its protocols, wise, fair and sustainable decisions are made for both the land and the people. Our collaboration with MTO is already showing the practical effectiveness of harmonizing Anishinaabe and western ways. So much more can get done—and faster—when we combine our strengths.”
"The signing of today's agreement with Niiwin Wendaanimok is a key milestone for this important project," said Mulroney. "We are committed to maintaining a long-term working relationship with Indigenous communities in the Kenora area to ensure the successful completion of the project. We have a shared goal to create meaningful economic opportunities for local Indigenous communities and build better transportation in Northern Ontario."
"Today, we are one step closer to twinning Highway 17 and improving road safety for the people of Kenora-Rainy River," said Rickford. "Twinning Highway 17 is a top priority for our government and I am proud to announce that significant progress is being made. Today's signing ceremony with the Four Winds Group marks an important milestone in the project, and we have a clear path forward to completion."
The project will be carried out in three sections: from the Manitoba/Ontario border to Highway 673 (6.5 km), from Highway 673 to Rush Bay Road (8.5 km), and from Rush Bay Road to Highway 17A (25 km). The province calls the agreement “an important and timely step” for the project. It aims to get shovels in the ground on the first section of the project this summer, while taking the time to hear and address any affected rights and interests and mitigate impacts related to the project.
The province had previously engaged with Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent First Nation and the Métis Nation of Ontario for the project.
“Since the announcement of this project, our Nation has been engaged with Ontario to work towards creating a partnership that respects our treaty relationship with the Crown, and the incumbent duties and responsibilities of both parties,” said Chief Gerald Lewis of the Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent First Nation. “Our Nation recognizes the province’s priorities of this project, and we continue to work with the province towards the project meeting our Nation’s priorities of meaningful economic development and respect for the treaty relationship.”