Ontario and Aroland First Nation Sign Historic Agreement Connecting Roads to the Ring of Fire
- Today, Premier Ford and Chief Sonny Gagnon of Aroland First Nation, alongside Minister Rickford signed a history agreement connecting roads to the Ring of Fire.
- Initiatives by the Ontario government include:
- Support for upgrading Anaconda Road and Painter Lake Road, including the potential establishment of a Road Advisory Body to help move this work forward,
- $70 million to advance route and design planning of the Greenstone Electricity Transmission Line, working with Aroland First Nation, Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Ginoogaming First Nation, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek and Red Rock Indian Band,
- $20 million for community infrastructure projects that support business development, boost community well-being and preparedness to participate in economic activities related to mineral development in the region. The agreement also provides up to $2.27 million for a comprehensive community plan to support business development and community wellness,
- Exploring First Nations-led initiatives like the development of a transload facility, a host community for a smelter, and the establishment of an agreement to share the economic benefits of forestry and mining operations in the region with other proximal First Nations communities.
- By forming stronger partnerships with First Nations communities in the North, we are unlocking opportunities to develop critical infrastructure that improve health, social and economic conditions, and support future critical mineral projects.