Province to spend $6M on winter roads
The provincial government announced on January 14 that it will provide $6 million in funding to build and maintain winter roads in Ontario’s north.
The money will be shared among 31 remote First Nation communities and the Town of Moosonee, and will be used to support nearly 3,200 kilometres of temporary snow and ice roads for the 2020–21 winter season.
The investment is part of a three-year funding commitment and will 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 lifeline for remote communities, as they provide vital connections to all-season roads," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. "By providing multi-year funding, our government is reducing the administrative burden, supporting economic development and enabling our northern communities to plan more effectively for upcoming winter roads seasons."
Construction of the James Bay Road, for example, began just after Christmas. The 311-kilometre road connects several First Nation communities on the James Bay coast—including Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort Albany and Moosonee.
Construction of the road is being operated and managed by Kimesskanemenow Limited Partnership, and completion of the final section of the road is expected by January 20.
Temporary winter roads serve more than 21,000 Ontarians and provide more affordable transportation options for northern job creators and employers, including the mining industry—a key contributor to the northern economy.
Weather permitting, the winter roads network is open from approximately mid-January until the spring thaw.
A complete list of the funding allocated to each of the communities is available on the province’s website.