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Press Release

McGuinty Government Investments Link Remote Communities

Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
January 16, 2007 - 014

Construction Begins On Winter Roads In Ontario’s Far North

SUDBURY – Construction of nearly 2,940 kilometres of winter roads to connect remote communities in the province’s Far North is underway with the help of an Ontario government investment, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today.

“The economic and social importance of the winter roads to isolated northern communities that are accessible only by air during other times of the year cannot be overstated,” said Bartolucci. “We appreciate that our government’s contribution to the Far North’s winter roads network is critical for lowering transportation costs and providing alternative access during the winter.”

In November, the minister announced that the McGuinty government had committed $3.5 million for this winter’s seasonal roads network, enabling 21 First Nations organizations and the Town of Moosonee to build 2,940 kilometres of seasonal roads.

The roads are built over frozen ground and waterways to connect communities in the Far North to the province’s permanent highway and rail systems. Weather permitting, the winter roads are in use from freeze up until late March. In most cases, the communities cost-share and manage the construction. Since 2003, investments in infrastructure, postsecondary education, research and innovation and key economic sectors have helped strengthen Ontario's economic foundations and continue to build opportunity.

Information on winter roads conditions is available from each community. A list of road construction projects is attached, and a map of the winter road network and community contacts may be found at: http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndm/nordev/wroads/default_e.asp

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Contacts:

Laura Blondeau
Minister’s Office – Sudbury
(705) 564-7454

Terry Bryson
MNDM – Sault Ste. Marie
(705) 945-5926

Backgrounder / Press Release

2006-2007 WINTER ROADS PROGRAM

Twenty-one First Nations organizations and the Town of Moosonee are using an Ontario government investment of $3,480,700 to build 2,940 kilometres of seasonal roads this winter.

1. Asheweig Winter Road Corporation - $556,500 - A 474-kilometre winter road network connecting the communities of Big Trout Lake, Wapekeka, Kasabonika Lake, Wawakapewin, Wunnumin Lake and Kingfisher Lake First Nations to the Pickle North all-season road.
2. Bearskin Lake First Nation - $111,300 - A 106-kilometre winter road running northeasterly from Muskrat Dam to the community.
3. Cat Lake First Nation - $183,750 - A 175-kilometre winter road from Pickle Lake to Cat Lake First Nation.
4. Deer Lake First Nation - $110,775 - An 88-kilometre winter road running west from North Spirit Lake to Deer Lake.
5. Fort Severn First Nation - $245,700 - A 234-kilometre winter road from the community to the Ontario border near Shamattawa, MB.
6. Keewaywin First Nation - $96,600 - A 92-kilometre winter road beginning at Magiss Lake and stretching to the community on the east end of Sandy Lake.
7. Koocheching First Nation - $21,600 - A 12-kilometre winter road to connect with the Keewaywin road.
8. Matawa First Nations Management - $596,925 - A 511-kilometre network of winter roads and trails connecting Nibinimik (Summer Beaver), Neskatanga (Lansdowne House), Eabametoong (Fort Hope) and Marten Falls to the all-season roads system.
9. Moose Cree First Nation - $25,200 - An eight-kilometre winter ice road to connect to Moosonee. 
10. Muskrat Dam First Nation - $170,100 - A 108-kilometre winter connector road from Muskrat Dam to Round Lake.
11. North Caribou Lake First Nation - $57,750 - A 42-kilometre winter road from the end of the Pickle North all-season road to Round Lake and across the lake to the community.
12. North Spirit Lake First Nation - $182,700 - A 116-kilometre winter road running northward from the end of the Nungessor all-season road.
13. North West Angle First Nation - $38,800 - A 70-kilometre winter road from Windigo Island to Kenora.
14. Pikangikum First Nation - $51,975 - A 33-kilometre winter road from the Nungessor all-season road to the community.
15. Poplar Hill First Nation - $51,450 - A 49-kilometre truck-standard winter road to connect into Pikangikum. 
16. Sachigo Lake First Nation - $73,500 - A 70-kilometre winter road running northwesterly from Muskrat Dam to the community.
17. Sandy Lake First Nation - $115,500 - A 110-kilometre winter road connecting with the Deer Lake road at Duckling Lake.
18. Temagami First Nation - $12,600 - A 12-kilometre winter road from Temagami Access Road to Bear Island.
19. Town of Moosonee - $18,300 - Two ramps required for the winter road to Moose Factory Island.
20. Webequie First Nation - $115,500 - A 110-kilometre winter road from Neskantaga to Webequie.
21. Weenusk First Nation - $210,000 - A 200-kilometre winter road from Peawanuck to Fort Severn.
22. 3981584 Ontario Inc. - $434,175 - A 320-kilometre truck winter road from Moosonee to Attawapiskat via Fort Albany and Kashechewan.