All-Season Road Closer To Reality
July 10, 2009 2:09 PM
McGuinty Government Helps James Bay Communities Research Options
Ontario is supporting a transportation study by several remote northern communities that could reduce their cost of living and increase access to educational, medical and other services.
The Mushkegowuk Council will assess possible routes for a year-round road to connect four of its First Nation member communities and the Town of Moosonee on the west shore of James Bay to Highway 11. Public consultations will be held in Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan and Moose Factory - among 30 Ontario First Nations that are accessible only by air, water or winter roads - and Moosonee. An all-season road would reduce the costs of transporting goods to the communities, and provide improved access to education and health services.
The study will assess technical, geographical, cultural, economic and environmental considerations.
QUICK FACTS
- Through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), the province is providing $255,200 toward this study.
- In January 2006, the NOHFC invested $38,800 in the first phase of the study. After examining air, water and land transportation options, the participating communities agreed to pursue an all-season road linked to the provincial highway system.
- Since 2004-05, the province has invested $18 million to help First Nations in Ontario's Far North construct and maintain a 3,000-kilometre network of winter roads.
CONTACTS
- Anne-Marie Flanagan
Minister's Office
416-327-0655
anne-marie.flanagan@ontario.ca
- Michel Lavoie
MNDMF
705-564-7125
michel.lavoie@ontario.ca
ontario.ca/north
"Mild weather conditions can cut short the winter road season and its associated economic and social benefits. I am pleased that our government is continuing to assist these James Bay First Nations investigate the development of an all-season road."
– Michael Gravelle
Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry and Chair of the NOHFC
Communities
