Building winter roads in Ontario’s Far North
By Adam Freill
RoadsFunding to support transportation system critical to delivery of essential goods and services for remote communities.
Ontario Winter Roads Map. (Courtesy of Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.)
The Ontario government is investing $6 million 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 2021-22 winter season. The funding will also be used to support projects such as bridge improvement, maintenance of crossings, and other repairs.
The funding commitment is aimed at providing seasonal connections to all-season roads in remote and Far North communities to make it easier for these communities to bring in essential goods and services, such as food, medical supplies, and construction equipment and 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.
The winter roads network serves over 21,000 Ontarians and provides more 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.
