Annual Winter Roads Network Under Construction across Northern Ontario
Press release
January 18, 2012
McGuinty Government Improves Access To Northern Communities
A winter roads network throughout Northern Ontario will once again make it easier to get vital goods to remote First Nation communities.
With support from the Province and the federal government, 29 First Nation organizations and the Town of Moosonee will build and operate a network of temporary roads over frozen ground and waterways. Each year, these winter roads connect remote communities to a permanent provincial highway or railway system. Individuals and businesses use the roads from freeze-up until spring thaw, usually in mid March.
Investing in northern communities is part of the McGuinty government's plan to strengthen and support Ontario families while boosting local economies.
"Communities in the far north of Ontario heavily rely on winter roads to bring in fuel, construction material and other goods that are essential for building and renewing infrastructure, which helps increase living standards for these communities. Once again this year, the Ontario government is helping these communities with the cost of building the winter road network."
– Rick Bartolucci
Minister of Northern Development and Mines
"The winter roads that connect these remote communities help further self-reliance, economic growth and investment for Aboriginal people in the far north of Ontario."
– Kathleen Wynne
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
QUICK FACTS
> The Province is investing just over $4.7 million to help remote Northern Ontario communities build winter roads this season.
> Ontario's winter roads total just over 3,000 kilometres, about the round-trip driving distance between Atikokan and Ottawa.
> Since October 2003, the McGuinty government has invested a total of $30.7 million through the Winter Roads Program.
LEARN MORE
> View a map of Ontario's winter roads.
> Contact First Nation communities for winter roads updates
> 2011-2012 Winter Roads Program
CONTACTS
Laura Blondeau
Minister's Office
416-327-1421
laura.blondeau@ontario.ca.
Terry Bryson
Transportation & Infrastructure Unit
705-945-5926