The Ontario government has announced the completion of highway infrastructure improvements in the Greenstone area of Northern Ontario.

The upgrades in the area, which is located approximately 300 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, will improve connections to the provincial highway network for local First Nations while also supporting the province’s ongoing plans to unlock access to mineral deposits.

Greenstone is home to the Greenstone Gold Mine, one of the largest open-pit mines in Canada.

“I’m excited to see firsthand the improvements being made to road and highway infrastructure in Greenstone, as we continue working with First Nations partners to unlock new economic opportunities here at the gateway to the Ring of Fire region,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Along with the upgrades being made to infrastructure, we’re also investing in skills development programs for Indigenous community members in the mining and construction sectors as part of our ongoing efforts to advance meaningful and lasting economic reconciliation with First Nations.”

Since it signed letters of confirmation with two First Nations development corporations in June, the province has made a series of commitments to economic development in the region.

For example, it has completed highway infrastructure improvements that link First Nations communities’ to the province’s highway network. These include removing and replacing seven culverts on Hwy. 584 in 2024 and finishing work on three culverts along Hwy. 11 in 2025. An additional 26 culverts will be replaced along Hwy. 584 during the 2025-2026 construction seasons, while pavement rehabilitation of Hwy. 584 is planned for 2027.

It has invested $2 million to build and maintain truck parking, washroom facilities and amenities at the Migizi Plaza Rest Stop.

It has committed a further $2 million to to Kenogamisis Investment GP Corporation for the purchase of the Greenstone Gold Mine Assay Laboratory in Geraldton. The corporation plans to renovate and expand the facility to accommodate additional staff and mining process services, creating long-term employment opportunities for members of the First Nation communities involved in the project.

And it has enrolled 45 participants in the Indigenous Workforce Development Program, which is operated by Minodahmun Development LP and funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Participants are currently engaged in mining-related pre-trades training, equipping them with the skills needed to secure jobs in mineral development within the region.

"Working in close partnership with First Nations leaders, we are laying the groundwork for Greenstone to become a powerful centre of economic opportunity in Northern Ontario," said Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford. "Our shared commitment to building long-term prosperity for northern communities is creating meaningful progress today and paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come."

The Kenogamisis Investment GP Corporation is a joint venture corporation of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation and Long Lake 58 First Nation.

Minodahmun Development LP is a partnership between Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation and Ginoogaming First Nation.