Ontario Investing $13 Million to Build and Maintain Northern Winter Roads
Investment will connect remote and northern communities and protect northern residents in the face of economic uncertainty
The Ontario government is increasing its annual funding for the Winter Roads Program to $13 million to build and maintain nearly 3,200 kilometres of winter roads in the North. In the face of economic uncertainty, the government is doubling down on efforts to protect northern families and businesses by investing in infrastructure they need to build strong, resilient communities. The increased funding for these vital connections to Ontario’s network of roads will help more than 24,000 people in remote areas continue to connect to jobs, services and family during the winter months and will support the transport of essential goods to support local economies.
“Winter roads are a lifeline for northern communities that keep people connected and help local businesses move goods and supplies,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This investment will strengthen the seasonal road network, improve access to services and help Northern Ontario remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs.”
The province is investing $8 million this year to help 32 remote First Nation communities and the Town of Moosonee build and operate nearly 3,200 kilometres of winter roads. These seasonal routes provide connections to all-season roads and make it easier for communities to bring in essential goods and services such as food, medical supplies and construction materials. Community members also rely on winter roads to access cultural and sporting events, visit friends and family and travel to health care and other appointments.
The government is also investing $5 million through the Bridges and Culverts Stream of the Winter Roads Program to help remote First Nation communities purchase and install pre-engineered bridges and culverts and to repair existing water-crossing structures along the winter roads network. These improvements make seasonal routes safer and help keep goods, services and people moving across the North.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is investing nearly $600 million to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges across Northern Ontario this year,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “This funding will help First Nations and other communities across the North stay connected, protecting Ontario’s economy, keeping people moving and allowing Ontario families to access essential goods and services during the winter months.”
“Winter roads are lifelines for remote Indigenous families, connecting communities and commerce across the Far North,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “This investment strengthens those corridors and reflects our commitment to meaningful reconciliation through infrastructure that supports opportunity and future prosperity.”
