Ontario and Webequie First Nation break ground on Ring of Fire Road

The Government of Ontario and Webequie First Nation celebrated the start of construction on the Webequie Supply Road, with the approval of the Environmental Assessment.

The Webequie Supply Road is scheduled to open by November 2030, four years ahead of schedule. The 107-kilometre all-season road will connect Webequie First Nation to the Ring of Fire region and serve as a vital link for future mineral development projects. Once complete and connected to other planned roads, the Webequie Supply Road will improve year-round access to goods and services and connect Webequie community members to essential health and social services while creating lasting opportunities for First Nation-led economic growth and prosperity.

“We’re delivering on our promise to protect Ontario, and we are doing so in partnership with First Nations, to support true economic reconciliation. We appreciate the partnership of First Nations leaders and communities, including Chief Lorraine Whitehead and Webequie First Nation, as we continue our work to create opportunity and prosperity across the north,” said Premier Doug Ford.

The announcement builds on the collaboration between the province and Webequie First Nation. In October 2025, Ontario and Webequie First Nation signed a Community Partnership Agreement to provide critical supports and community benefits for Webequie First Nation and to continue working in collaboration towards advancing the road project on an expedited timeline.

“Throughout Webequie’s oral history, our Elders shared stories of a future vision for the community. These stories reflect and align through many years of hard work by leadership and community members. Today’s Environmental Assessment approval is a step forward toward that vision. For us, this road has always been about more than access. It is about creating opportunity and making sure our people benefit from all activity taking place in our traditional territory,” said Chief Lorraine Whitehead, Webequie First Nation.

Construction of the Webequie Supply Road will involve 31 water crossings, including six bridges and 25 culverts, in addition to aggregate sites and a maintenance facility.

Under the accelerated plan, pending all necessary approvals and consultation:

• The Marten Falls Community Access Road is scheduled to start construction in August 2026 and open by November 2031, four years ahead of schedule
• Upgrades to the Anaconda and Painter Lake Roads are scheduled to open by November 2030, two years ahead of schedule
• The Northern Road Link is scheduled to start construction in spring 2028 and open by November 2031, five years ahead of schedule.

Featured image: (Government of Ontario)