Ontario First Nations complete fast-tracked assessments for Ring of Fire road

Marten Falls First Nation has submitted a fast-tracked environmental assessment for an access road to the Ring of Fire, becoming the second community to do so after Webequie First Nation; Ontario says it has signed a cooperation agreement with the federal government and that construction could begin as soon as August 2026, according to a provincial statement.

Ontario and two First Nations have advanced fast-tracked environmental work for an access road to the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario. Marten Falls First Nation submitted its environmental assessment, becoming the second community to do so after Webequie First Nation. The work is part of a provincial plan to link the mineral-rich Ring of Fire to Ontario's highway network with an all-season road. The province has signed a cooperation agreement with the federal government and previously introduced Bill 5 related to development in special economic zones. Key facts: - Marten Falls First Nation submitted a fast-tracked environmental assessment for an access road to the Ring of Fire. - Webequie First Nation submitted an earlier fast-tracked assessment at the end of January. - Ontario says it has signed a cooperation agreement with the federal government to proceed with assessments for the project. - The provincial plan aims to build an all-season road to connect remote First Nations and mineral resources in the Ring of Fire. - Bill 5 allowed the province to suspend certain provincial and municipal laws in declared special economic zones and drew criticism from some First Nations over the timing of consultation. - Webequie and Marten Falls signed agreements last year to accelerate their assessments in exchange for new government investment in their communities. Summary: The two fast-tracked assessments advance the prospect of building an all-season road to the Ring of Fire, and provincial officials say construction could begin as soon as August 2026. Both Marten Falls and Webequie have completed assessments for separate portions of the route and the province and federal government have set a cooperation framework. Remaining approvals and timelines for other sections are undetermined at this time.