NORTHERN ONTARIO — The Ontario government is investing $13 million to build and maintain nearly 3,200 kilometres of winter roads.
These seasonal routes connect 32 remote Indigenous communities and the Town of Moosonee, serving approximately 24,000 people across the North, and it is the longest network of its kind in Canada.
Typically open for six to 11 weeks each year, from late January until the end of March, winter roads provide vital access to jobs, essential services, and family, while supporting the transport of goods such as food, medical supplies, and construction materials.
Of the $13 million, $8 million will help communities operate and maintain the roads. And $5 million will support the installation of pre-engineered bridges and geotechnical studies for future bridge projects, through the Winter Roads Program – Bridges and Culverts Stream.
“Winter roads are a lifeline for northern communities that keep people connected and help local businesses move goods and supplies,” said George Pirie, minister of northern economic development and growth, in a news release. “This investment will strengthen the seasonal road network, improve access to services and help Northern Ontario remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs."
