A major upgrade to Geraldton’s Main Street is signifying the start of a series of road improvements to the Ring of Fire mining area.
The province is providing more than $81 million toward the project.
The street links Highways 11 and 584 and is expected to see increased traffic as construction starts on other access roads and the development of the mine area takes place.
“Geraldton’s Main Street has always been about more than rebuilding a road: It is about building the corridor to prosperity, with First Nations and northern communities as integral leaders and full partners, every step of the way,” states Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, in a release.
“Today, we provide the baseline access to responsibly develop the region, unlock the Ring of Fire and ensure that the infrastructure is in place for shared prosperity in northern and First Nation communities.”
Pioneer/Minodahmun Development LP, a First Nation-owned partnership, was given the contract for the rebuild.
Work is also expected to start this month on four other all-season access roads, with the first opening up by 2030.
“Our government is making historic investments in highway infrastructure to unlock access to the Ring of Fire by 2030 and realize Ontario’s full economic potential,” states Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.
“The Ring of Fire possesses vast resources the world needs, including critical minerals, and we’re moving forward to build the roads that will transform Ontario’s mining sector into an economic powerhouse.”
Separate partnership agreements with Aroland, Webequie, and Marten Falls First Nations are allowing for the construction of the access roads.
The First Nations also received commitments from the province for millions of dollars in other community infrastructure improvements.
The province hopes to have the complete road network in place by 2031.
