The Ontario government, the Whitefeather Forest Community Resource Management Authority and the Government of Canada have agreed to a plan to build to build a permanent bridge across the Berens River and an all-season road to Pikangikum First Nation.

The governments say the project will open new economic opportunities, create safer travelling conditions, and improve the safety and quality of life for seven First Nation communities north of Red Lake.

The six remote First Nations that will benefit from improved winter road connections include Poplar Hill First Nation, McDowell Lake First Nation, Deer Lake First Nation, North Spirit Lake First Nation, Sandy Lake First Nation, and Keewaywin First Nation.

“From the beginning, our government committed to strengthening opportunities and improving safety for First Nations communities in the North," said the Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Greg Rickford. “Today is a momentous milestone for Pikangikum First Nation, as well as six other fly-in communities, and we are proud to celebrate the next step on our path to unlocking unprecedented economic reconciliation for the region.”

The Berens River bridge and all-season road project will increase opportunities for harvesting wood in the Whitefeather Forest, support year-round access to Pikangikum First Nation, and improve winter road connections for six additional remote First Nation communities. It will also eliminate the dangerous and lengthy ice crossing currently required to access Pikangikum First Nation and the broader winter roads network in the region, making it easier to secure essential goods and services.

“We are very happy that the Dogrib Rapids bridge over the Berens River as well as the all-season road to Pikangikum is now being built,” said Alex Peters, President of the Whitefeather Forest Community Resource Management Authority. “From the beginning of planning, our Elders supported the bridge and road. Pikangikum and our neighbouring First Nations to the north will now greatly benefit from this infrastructure project.”

The province says all duty to consult obligations will be fulfilled as the project progresses.