Canadian Design Construction Report staff writer
Construction of all-season roads to the Ring of Fire will be completed five years earlier than originally expected, with work expected to begin in June and the first roads opening in November 2030.
The province says it is advancing early construction work, detailed design and contract administration as part of the next phase of the road projects.
The province also signed joint economic partnership agreements with Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation aimed at increasing Indigenous participation in development of the mineral-rich region in northwestern Ontario.
“Unlocking Ontario’s vast supply of critical minerals in the Ring of Fire is at the heart of our plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s accelerated construction schedule and historic economic agreements with First Nations partners will see roads to the Ring of Fire finished five years ahead of schedule as we begin to deliver generational economic benefits to the region and all of Ontario.”
The Ring of Fire is located about 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay and spans roughly 8,000 square kilometres. It is considered one of Canada’s most significant undeveloped sources of critical minerals used in electric vehicles, batteries and other technologies.
Under the revised timeline:
- Webequie Supply Road is scheduled to start construction in June 2026 and open by November 2030, four years earlier than previously projected.
- Marten Falls Community Access Road is expected to begin in August 2026 and open by November 2031, also four years ahead of schedule.
- Upgrades to the Anaconda and Painter Lake roads are to be completed by November 2030, two years earlier than planned.
- Northern Road Link is slated to begin construction in spring 2028 and open by November 2031, five years ahead of the earlier timeline.
Four road segments stretching more than 500 kilometres would connect First Nations communities to the provincial highway network and provide year-round access to the mining area.
The government estimates development of the region could create more than 70,000 jobs and add $22 billion to Ontario’s economy over 30 years.
Ontario and the two First Nations will now explore equity participation opportunities through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program, including potential involvement in operating an aerodrome, accommodations and aggregate businesses.
Agreements also provide $2.5 million in provincial funding to support economic activities in the regional mineral sector and a First Nations-led employment readiness survey, as well as collaboration on skills training.
“Through this agreement with Ontario for development planning, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable, Indigenous-led prosperity as the Ring of Fire advances,” said Bruce Achneepineskum, chief of Marten Falls First Nation. “We are equipping our people with the tools to protect our interests, capitalize on business opportunities and drive long-term economic independence.”
