TORONTO — Today, Premier Doug Ford, Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, and Aroland First Nation Chief Sonny Gagnon signed a Shared Prosperity Agreement to drive economic growth and build and upgrade infrastructure in Northern Ontario. This agreement includes support for upgrades to Anaconda and Painter Lake Roads, which are important connections on the road to the Ring of Fire, as well as major new investments in infrastructure and energy transmission in the region. It also builds upon agreements that are in place with other First Nations partners along the entire proposed length of the roads to the Ring of Fire and helps set the stage for further potential partnerships.
“With the risk of U.S. tariffs, it’s never been more important for us to work together to do everything possible to keep our economy competitive. At the top of the list is unlocking the economic potential of the Ring of Fire region,” said Premier Doug Ford. “These partnerships will transform Northern Ontario with new jobs, growth and opportunities throughout the region. I’m grateful to Chief Sonny Gagnon and Aroland First Nation for their partnership as we sign this historic agreement.”
The agreement will create opportunities and support the long-term prosperity of Aroland and broader Northern Ontario through strategic investments and partnerships, including:
- Support for upgrading Anaconda Road and Painter Lake Road, including the potential establishment of a Road Advisory Body to help move this work forward. Today’s agreement builds on the Letters of Confirmation signed by Premier Ford in June 2024 at the Gateway to the Ring of Fire that included maintenance and upgrades to Highway 584 and Highway 11. Anaconda and Painter Lake Roads connect to these vital infrastructure links via Highway 643 and will one day connect to the proposed Marten Falls Community Access Road, Northern Road Link and Webequie Supply Road, linking Martin Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation to the Ontario highway network and providing access to the Ring of Fire.
- $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.
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