Road to Ring of Fire reaches milestone as Marten Falls First Nation approves environmental assessment

An undated aerial photo of Marten Falls First Nation. (File photo/Marten Falls First Nation/Marten Falls Access Road Project)

Marten Falls First Nation has submitted the final environmental assessment for a proposed community access road that would connect the remote northern Ontario community to the provincial highway network for the first time.

The submission, announced jointly by the First Nation and the provincial government on Friday, marks a significant step toward construction of the 184-kilometre all-season road. The project would link Marten Falls First Nation to the highway network north of Nakina.

‘Symbol of resilience and hope’

Marten Falls First Nation said in a news release Friday that the environmental assessment follows years of planning, technical studies and consultation with Indigenous communities and the public.

“This vision is about more than building a road – it’s about creating a future where our people can thrive,” said Chief Bruce Achneepineskum.

“The Community Access Road is more than infrastructure; it is a symbol of resilience and hope. For Marten Falls members, this road means new possibilities – access to economic development that can bring jobs and prosperity, reliable routes for healthy foods and food security and improved access to social programs and services that support our families.”

In a separate statement Thursday, Achneepineskum said the project addresses long-standing challenges.

“For too long, our community has faced challenges that threaten our well-being – housing shortages, boil water advisories, mental health crises, reduced opportunities for our youth and the staggering cost of food and supplies,” he said.

“Year-round access will ensure dependable routes to healthcare, education and social services, giving our members the support they need and deserve.”

Province commits to partnership

The provincial government signed a community partnership agreement with Marten Falls First Nation in November 2025, providing up to $39.5 million for community infrastructure while supporting development of the road.

Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, congratulated the First Nation on reaching the environmental assessment milestone.

“On behalf of Premier Ford and the Government of Ontario, I sincerely congratulate Marten Falls First Nation on submitting the Environmental Assessment for the proposed Marten Falls Community Access Road,” Rickford said in a news release.

“With the submission of the EA and Ontario’s signing of the cooperation agreement with the federal government, we remain on track to get shovels in the ground on this project.”

The proposed road would connect Marten Falls First Nation to Ontario’s provincial highway network, “increasing access, helping foster current and future economic development opportunities as well as improving quality of life for community members,” Rickford said.

Economic development potential

The Ring of Fire region, where Marten Falls is located, holds significant critical mineral deposits. The province has estimated development of the region could add $22 billion and 70,000 jobs to Ontario’s economy.

“We look forward to working alongside Chief Bruce Achneepineskum and all the community members of Marten Falls First Nation as we continue our government-to-government partnership and shared goals of providing reliable year-round access to the community, while addressing community priorities and advancing economic reconciliation,” Rickford said.

The environmental assessment will now be reviewed by the provincial Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the federal Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. The public comment period runs until April 10.

Pending regulatory approvals, construction could begin as early as August 2026.

More details about the environmental assessment and the community road project can be found on the Government of Ontario’s website here.

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