Marten Falls First Nation Accelerates Road Construction in Partnership with Ontario
Marten Falls First Nation, a northern Ontario community, has entered into a significant partnership with the provincial government to expedite the construction of a crucial road leading to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region.
Under the agreement, Marten Falls First Nation will benefit from close to $40 million, allocated for a versatile community center, essential materials for various infrastructure projects, including the winter road for the current season, and other high-priority initiatives.
Chief Bruce Achneepineskum views this partnership as a step towards economic reconciliation, aiming to mend a historically strained relationship with the province, which has, in the past, marginalized the community.
In exchange, Marten Falls commits to completing its environmental assessment on the Marten Falls Access Road by February, with plans to commence construction as early as August.
Located approximately 450 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Marten Falls is primarily accessible via a limited winter road season and air travel for the rest of the year.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford hails this partnership as a groundbreaking moment that will drive prosperity in northern Ontario.
This recent collaboration follows a similar agreement the province made with Webequie First Nation, located to the north of Marten Falls. Both communities are actively conducting environmental assessments on three connecting roads that will link Webequie in the north to mining activities in the Ring of Fire region, Marten Falls to the south, and ultimately integrate with the provincial highway system.
Keyphrase: Ring of Fire Road