Far North

Two First Nations organizations are looking for $318 million from the federal government.

The Windigo First Nations Council (WFNC) and Four First Nations Group (FFFG) say the money would help with the construction of a 613-kilometre-long all-weather road in Ontario’s Far North.

Six communities would be connected and linked to the provincial highway system.

“We are coming forward today with a shovel-ready, transformative infrastructure project,” states Frank McKay, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of WFNC, in a release.

“With federal investment partnership support, we could achieve construction starts next year and completion of the new road network in four to five years.

The First Nations organizations say over 95 percent of community members support the project.

A business case prepared by Deloitte Canada found the road would help lower the cost of goods and services and bring a lower cost of living to the region.

It identified that travel costs would drop by 50% and freight charges by 94%.

A further 50% saving would be achieved in the cost of essential goods like food, fuel and building supplies.

“For every dollar the federal government invests in the All-Season Road network, we expect $1.60
to $2.70 will be returned in wider economic benefits to Canada, Ontario and the First Nation communities,” states McKay.

The Deloitte study also identified that the road network would improve economic and trade opportunities for the First Nations, create new employment and reduce the impacts of economic and social isolation.