KITCHENUHMAYKOOSIB INNINUWUG FIRST NATION — Many communities in the far north rely on a network of ice roads during the winter months to stay connected to the provincial highways.
The winter road network makes it possible for remote communities to obtain essential goods and services including food, gas, and building supplies.
The province has committed additional funding to rehabilitate parts of the winter road system in Northwestern Ontario.
Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, said “that the work goes on” as he announces that the Ontario government budgeted an additional $5 million for winter road maintenance for remote northern communities.
The additional funding is part of the $8 million funding announced in February to build and maintain 3,200 kilometres of winter roads for the 2022-23 season.
“The winter road networks are in need of some upgrades and with the impact of climate change we’re seeing a need for some of the bridges and some of the places where there are culverts to be refortified,” said Rickford.
For the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, $571,321 was allotted to maintain the winter road from the community to Kingfisher Lake and bridge repairs to help cross the Fawn River.
“It will enable us to cross over faster,” said Donny Morris, Chief of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug. “Climate change is something to be taken seriously. These bridges will have an impact on us travelling out earlier and hauling heavier stuff.”
