Asheweig Winter Road Corp building bridge to connect remote First Nations
NOHFC press release
McGuinty Government Promotes Economic Opportunity In Far North
April 09, 2009
A new bridge will improve access and safety on a winter road serving remote First Nations in Ontario’s Far North.
Currently under construction by the Asheweig Winter Road Corporation, the 90-metre bridge and new road system will eliminate a 20-kilometre ice crossing of Big Trout Lake to reach the First Nation communities of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwig and Wapekeka. The bridge could extend the winter access season by several weeks for community residents, suppliers and visitors to the community.
The project is expected to create five seasonal, ongoing jobs to maintain the road network to the bridge and beyond. This access improvement will greatly improve safety and has the potential to accommodate future mining, tourism and forestry development opportunities. The completion of the bridge is expected in time for the next winter road season.
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) provided $750,000 to support the completion of the project.
QUOTES
“By increasing the winter access season, communities in the Far North will be able to move products and services in the most efficient and cost effective way possible.”
- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC.
“The Ontario government continues making investments in initiatives that improve the quality of life in First Nations communities and provide opportunities for job creation.”
- Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
QUICK FACTS
> The province is investing $4 million to construct the winter road system this year. Since 2004-05, $18 million has been invested through the Winter Roads Program.
> The NOHFC provided nearly $1.6 million for the two previous phases of this project which saw clearing of a right-of-way, road realignment and the installation of several bridges on the Big Trout Lake and Kasabonika routes.
LEARN MORE
> Find out about the Winter Roads Program
> About the NOHFC
Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655
Michel Lavoie, Communications Branch, 705-564-7125