Ontario upgrading roadways at the Gateway to the Ring of Fire

The Government of Ontario is investing $61.8 million in Geraldton’s Main Street Rehabilitation Project, a critical road infrastructure project in Greenstone that will be the gateway to the Ring of Fire.

“This is more than a roadworks project — it’s a signal that Geraldton is a gateway to one of Ontario’s greatest assets in the face of economic threats from the United States, and that our government is serious about supporting the communities that anchor the North,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “With First Nations and communities as integral leaders in these projects, our government is ensuring partnerships remain a central piece of our commitment to unlocking the Ring of Fire and building infrastructure that delivers prosperity for Northern and First Nations communities, for generations to come.”

The project will connect Highway 11 at the south end to Highway 584 at the north, ultimately connecting the Trans-Canada, and will be the first segment on the road network to the Ring of Fire. Improved road access between Northern communities and to the provincial highway network will also help people access goods and services, including education, health care and housing, and lay the groundwork for future growth in the Greenstone region.

“Our government’s investment in Geraldton’s Main Street Rehabilitation Project will enhance transportation links, improve community connectivity, and drive economic growth across Northern Ontario,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “By working closely with First Nations partners, we are building critical infrastructure to improve access to essential resources and unlock the full economic potential of the Ring of Fire.”

The Main Street Rehabilitation Project is part the government’s broader strategy to unlock the economic potential of the Ring of Fire region while ensuring First Nation and Northern communities reap the benefits of critical mineral development through partnerships that offer economic opportunities spanning generations. This initiative complements the Shared Prosperity Agreement with Aroland First Nation and supports Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy to build an end-to-end critical minerals supply chain, with critical minerals mined and refined in Ontario, by Ontario workers.

“Today’s funding announcement is a tremendous milestone for the Municipality of Greenstone. The revitalization of Main Street in the Geraldton Ward has been years in the making, with strong support from Council, the hard work of our staff, and continued assistance from the Province. Early planning and preliminary work made possible through NORDS funding helped lay the foundation for this project to move forward. We thank the Government of Ontario for this investment in our community. This transformative project will revitalize our downtown, improve safety, and drive development along the Corridor to Prosperity in our region.” said James McPherson, Mayor, Municipality of Greenstone.

Featured image: (Government of Ontario)