Representative image of Vital Indigenous Road Links on Unsplash by Sergei Byxarev
Kenora/CMEDIA: An investment of $6 million is being made by the Ontario government to help 32 remote First Nation communities and the Town of Moosonee in buildlng and operating 3,200 kilometres of temporary winter roads for the 2022-23 season to facilitate delivery of essential goods and services such as food, medical and construction supplies, a news release has reported.
Besides the delivery of essential goods and services, the funding would also support special projects, including bridge improvements, maintenance of crossings and other repairs, and allow for inter-community participation in cultural events.
“With this investment, we are helping Far North communities achieve their full economic potential and improve quality of life for northerners,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs in the news release.
The winter roads network serving over 24,000 Ontarianscan aslo be accessed by the community members to access cultural and sporting events, visit friends and family, and travel to health care and other appointments.
The Ontario government is also providing $2 million to Windigo First Nations Council to replace ice bridges with pre-engineered portable bridges and culverts which would improve the reliability, safety, and environmental impact of the winter roads network and create opportunities for social and economic prosperity in these communities.
As one of more than 60 actions outlined in our government’s Northern Ontario Transportation Plan, Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation said that improvement of winter roads would facilitate more safe and reliable travel options for remote and First Nation communities in accessing supplies and essential services whenever and wherever they need them, including fuel, food, and basic amenities.
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