Province announces $6 million for winter roads construction
The Government of Ontario has announced $6 million in funding to help 31 remote First Nation communities and the Town of Moosonee build and maintain 3,170 kilometres of temporary snow and ice roads for the coming winter season. The funding will also be used to support special projects, including bridge improvements, maintenance of crossings and other repairs.
The funding commitment will provide seasonal connections to all-season roads in remote and Far North communities to promote economic stability and make it easier for remote communities to bring in essential goods and services, such as food, medical and construction supplies.
“Winter roads are a critical link to the province’s transportation system for remote First Nation communities in Ontario,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. "With this investment, our government is helping Far North communities with economic development and to plan more effectively for upcoming winter roads seasons."
The largest single funding commitment sees $589,000 spent on a winter road from Moosonee to Attawapiskat via Fort Albany and Kashechewan. Other projects vary in value from $381,000 to $18,000.
Ontario’s winter roads network serves over 21,000 people, and provides affordable transportation options for northern job creators and employers, including the mining industry.
Weather permitting, the winter roads network is open from approximately mid-January until the spring thaw.
From April 2021 to March 2022, the Ontario government is committing $641 million to repair and expand provincial highways and bridges in Northern Ontario.