Northern Road Link seeks feedback on access to Ring of Fire

Public open houses are underway to gather input on the Northern Road Link, a proposed corridor that would connect the Marten Falls and Webequie access roads toward the Ring of Fire; joint provincial and federal assessments and an Indigenous Knowledge Program are informing the reviews.

The province and Indigenous partners are holding public open houses about the Northern Road Link, a proposed corridor intended to connect access roads toward the Ring of Fire mineral deposit in northwestern Ontario. The project would link the Marten Falls Community Access Road in the south with the Webequie Supply Road in the north. Provincial leaders have framed the Ring of Fire as a source of critical minerals and economic activity. Joint provincial and federal assessments and an Indigenous Knowledge Program are guiding environmental and rights reviews. Key facts: - Public open houses are underway to gather feedback on the preferred corridor; sessions were scheduled in Thunder Bay and Geraldton with specific times announced. - Ontario Premier Doug Ford has said unlocking minerals in the Ring of Fire "will add $22 billion to Canada's economy and create 70,000 new jobs," according to the report. - The Northern Road Link would connect a proposed 200-kilometre Marten Falls Community Access Road at the south end and a 110-kilometre Webequie Supply Road at the north end; environmental assessments for the Marten Falls and Webequie roads have been submitted and are under review. - The Northern Road Link is subject to a joint provincial environmental assessment and a federal impact assessment, with project co-lead Qasim Saddique saying final reports are hoped to be submitted in the next two years. - Assessments are being informed by an Indigenous Knowledge Program to help assess potential effects on Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, the environment, and cultural heritage, a project co-lead for Webequie First Nation said. - Proponents have described design measures such as building a "floating road" above peatlands, an ongoing water monitoring program, and commitments to training and employ Indigenous people; some surrounding First Nations and environmental groups have expressed opposition citing environmental and socioeconomic concerns. Summary: The Northern Road Link is a central element in plans to open access to the Ring of Fire and is being shaped by assessments and community feedback. Officials say Indigenous knowledge and public input are being used to identify impacts and possible mitigation, and proponents have outlined environmental measures and local employment commitments. Some First Nations and environmental groups remain opposed due to environmental and social concerns. Final reports for the Northern Road Link are expected within about two years, while related access-road assessments are already under review.