Groundbreaking marks major milestone in critical minerals strategy and Indigenous economic partnership
WEBEQUIE FIRST NATION — The Ontario government and Webequie First Nation have officially broken ground on the Webequie Supply Road, marking the start of construction on a key transportation corridor that will connect the remote northern community to the Ring of Fire region and advance one of Canada’s largest critical minerals development initiatives.
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Premier Doug Ford, Webequie First Nation Chief Lorraine Whitehead and several provincial cabinet ministers, represents a significant step in Ontario’s accelerated infrastructure strategy for the Ring of Fire. The province said construction of the road network is now proceeding five years ahead of its original schedule.
The 107-kilometre all-season Webequie Supply Road is expected to open by November 2030, four years earlier than initially planned. Once completed, it will provide year-round access between Webequie First Nation and the Ring of Fire while supporting future mining developments and improving access to essential goods, healthcare and social services for community members.
The province views the project as central to its broader strategy of developing Ontario’s critical minerals sector while working with First Nations to promote long-term economic opportunities.
“Ontario’s Ring of Fire is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create 70,000 good-paying jobs, access the critical minerals the world wants to buy, add $22 billion to our provincial economy and help Northern Ontario reach its full economic potential,” said Premier Ford. “We’re delivering on our promise to protect Ontario, and we are doing so in partnership with First Nations, to support true economic reconciliation. We appreciate the partnership of First Nations leaders and communities, including Chief Lorraine Whitehead and Webequie First Nation, as we continue our work to create opportunity and prosperity across the north.”
The groundbreaking follows years of collaboration between Ontario and Webequie First Nation. In October 2025, the two parties signed a Community Partnership Agreement designed to provide community benefits, support local participation and accelerate the development of the road project.
The Webequie Supply Road forms part of a broader network of transportation projects intended to unlock access to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region, located approximately 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. The region spans roughly 8,000 square kilometres and contains significant deposits of critical minerals used in electric vehicles, battery production, advanced manufacturing and defence technologies.
Accelerated infrastructure timeline
Ontario said the Webequie-led Environmental Assessment approval marks the first stage of its accelerated plan to complete road infrastructure serving the Ring of Fire.
Under the current schedule, the Marten Falls Community Access Road is expected to begin construction in August 2026 and open by November 2031. Upgrades to the Anaconda and Painter Lake Roads are scheduled for completion by November 2030, while construction of the Northern Road Link is expected to begin in spring 2028 with completion targeted for November 2031.
Collectively, the projects are intended to establish more than 500 kilometres of all-season road access into the region.
Construction of the Webequie Supply Road itself will include 31 water crossings consisting of six bridges and 25 culverts, along with aggregate extraction sites and a maintenance facility.
Economic development and Indigenous partnerships
Ontario estimates that development of the Ring of Fire could generate more than 70,000 jobs and contribute approximately $22 billion to the provincial economy over the next three decades.
The province has also announced nearly $3.1 billion in funding through loans, grants and scholarships to support Indigenous equity, ownership and partnership opportunities in critical minerals and infrastructure projects. In addition, it recently launched a $500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund aimed at supporting mineral processing investments within Ontario.
Provincial ministers attending the ceremony emphasized both the economic and community benefits expected from the infrastructure investment.
“Today is about Webequie First Nation and their leadership, together with partnering First Nations in the Ring of Fire region, who remain committed to protecting traditions and their way of life in the far North, while moving forward on modern legacy infrastructure needed to access the kinds of economic activities that create lasting prosperity.”
— Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario by accelerating the construction of more than 500 kilometres of proposed all-season roads leading to the Ring of Fire as we continue our work to build a stronger, more resilient and self-reliant economy. The Webequie Supply Road will serve as a vital link to the Ring of Fire while improving transportation options and generating good-paying jobs for Webequie First Nation.”
— Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.
“After past governments produced decades of talk, our government is getting shovels in the ground, taking the first major step to unlock the Ring of Fire. This generational project will strengthen Canada’s economic self-reliance and build the infrastructure needed to connect Northern Ontario’s world-class critical minerals to global markets while creating 70,000 Canadian jobs, attracting billions in investment and cementing Ontario’s position as a global mining and critical minerals powerhouse. While others talk, Ontario is building: moving faster on permits, infrastructure and economic development to make our province the world’s most reliable mining partner.”
— Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.
“The successful completion of Webequie First Nation’s environmental assessment is proof that a strong economy and a healthy environment can go hand in hand. Along with First Nations partners, Ontario is unlocking critical minerals and generational economic opportunity in the North while safeguarding our shared environment.”
— Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
“Reliable transportation infrastructure serves as a critical link to essential services, drives regional economic growth and enhances community well-being. Today’s groundbreaking marks a historic milestone for Webequie First Nation and neighboring communities. This vital corridor will significantly improve regional connectivity, stimulate local economies and ensure a prosperous future all while making progress on the development of the Ring of Fire.”
— George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.