Ontario and Aroland First Nation sign agreement connecting roads to the Ring of Fire
The Ontario government has signed an agreement with Aroland First Nation to drive economic growth and build and upgrade infrastructure in Northern Ontario.
This agreement includes support for upgrades to Anaconda and Painter Lake Roads, which are important connections on the road to the Ring of Fire, as well as major new investments in infrastructure and energy transmission in the region.
It also builds upon agreements that are in place with other First Nations partners along the entire proposed length of the roads to the Ring of Fire and helps set the stage for further potential partnerships.
Aroland First Nation is located at the Gateway to the Ring of Fire, 60 kilometres north of Geraldton on Highway 584/643.
“With the risk of U.S. tariffs, it’s never been more important for us to work together to do everything possible to keep our economy competitive. At the top of the list is unlocking the economic potential of the Ring of Fire region,” said Premier Doug Ford. “These partnerships will transform Northern Ontario with new jobs, growth and opportunities throughout the region.”
The agreement includes support for upgrading Anaconda Road and Painter Lake Road, including the potential establishment of an advisory body to help move the work forward.
Anaconda and Painter Lake Roads connect to highways 584 and 11 via Highway 643 and will one day connect to the proposed Marten Falls Community Access Road, Northern Road Link and Webequie Supply Road, linking Martin Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation to the Ontario highway network and providing access to the Ring of Fire.
The agreement also includes $70 million in funding to advance route and design planning of the Greenstone Electricity Transmission Line, working with Aroland First Nation, Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Ginoogaming First Nation, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek and Red Rock Indian Band.
Also included is $20 million for community infrastructure projects that support business development, boost community well-being and preparedness to participate in economic activities related to mineral development in the region.
The province also says it and Aroland First Nation and other interested nearby First Nations will hold discussions to establish an agreement to share the economic benefits of forestry and mining operations in the region.
“This agreement is a testament to the strength of our partnership with Chief Sonny Gagnon and the Aroland community,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “By working together, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous future for the North — one that creates sustainable growth, strengthens critical infrastructure, enhances Northern Ontario’s competitiveness on the global stage and positions Aroland First Nation as an economic leader in the region.”
Infrastructure partnerships with First Nations communities in the region are essential for advancing mining operations, including Greenstone Gold Mine and the Ring of Fire, while building long-term prosperity for First Nations in Ontario’s northern region.