Ontario and Aroland First Nation have begun major upgrades to the Anaconda and Painter Lake roads, advancing a key piece of infrastructure intended to improve northern transportation links and support development of the mineral-rich Ring of Fire.
Preliminary design and early construction work began June 30, with the roads now expected to open by November 2030, two years earlier than previously scheduled. The project forms part of Ontario’s broader strategy to accelerate road access to the Ring of Fire and strengthen economic opportunities for First Nations and northern communities.
“As we face down President Trump’s latest economic attack on Ontario workers and communities, we’re delivering on our plan to build the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7 for decades to come,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By building the roads to the Ring of Fire, we are unlocking $22 billion in economic potential and 70,000 good-paying jobs, while working with partners like Aroland First Nation to improve access to services for community members. I want to thank Chief Sonny Gagnon and the members of Aroland First Nation for their partnership as we stand up to protect Ontario communities and workers.”
Ontario Targets $22 Billion in Ring of Fire Economic Potential
The provincial government estimates development of the Ring of Fire and associated infrastructure could add $22 billion to Ontario’s economy and support 70,000 jobs. The region contains critical mineral deposits considered increasingly important to electric vehicles, batteries, defence technologies and advanced manufacturing.
“We have an extraordinary opportunity to work as full partners with Aroland First Nation, supporting their leadership and other partner First Nations in the Ring of Fire region, as we embark on one of the largest infrastructure projects in this province,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “Today, we are part of something special. Aligned with the leadership and priorities of Aroland First Nation, we are advancing legacy infrastructure that will support responsible resource development and create lasting prosperity.”
Anaconda and Painter Lake Roads to Receive Major Upgrades
The project covers 97 kilometres and includes the replacement of all 62 culverts along the corridor. Planned improvements also include bridge and drainage upgrades, road realignment and widening to meet two-lane secondary highway standards.
Once completed, the upgraded roads are expected to connect Highway 643 with proposed all-season routes leading toward the Ring of Fire, while supporting employment for Aroland First Nation members and opportunities for local businesses.
Ontario and Aroland First Nation signed a Shared Prosperity Agreement in January 2025 covering infrastructure, road improvements and energy transmission investments.
“Our government is making historic investments in our provincial highway network to unlock access to the Ring of Fire while supporting economic opportunities for First Nations in northern Ontario,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “We are proud to work with Aroland First Nation on this significant project that will generate economic growth for First Nations and connect remote northern communities to the provincial highway network.”
Accelerated Road Program Advances Across Northern Ontario
The Anaconda and Painter Lake work is part of a wider construction schedule. The Webequie Supply Road began construction in June 2026 and is targeted to open by November 2030, four years ahead of schedule. The Marten Falls Community Access Road is scheduled to begin construction in August 2026 and open in November 2031, while the Northern Road Link is planned to start construction in spring 2028 and open in November 2031.
“This government is getting things done in true partnership, as we build transmission lines and accelerate roads to the Ring of Fire,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “We are proud to unveil that the Anaconda and Painter Lake road expansion is two years ahead of schedule, as we move with speed to unlock Ontario’s vast mineral wealth. Following our aggressive reforms to cut mine permit timelines by half, along with new investment in enabling infrastructure, Ontario has emerged as the second-best jurisdiction for mining investment on earth and number one in Canada.”
George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, said the investments are intended to produce wider benefits across the region.
“Advancing these road improvements will strengthen connections between northern communities and create new opportunities for businesses and workers in the North. In partnership with First Nations, our government is making strategic investments that support responsible development in the Ring of Fire, attract further investments and deliver long-term economic benefits for northern Ontario.”
Infrastructure Investment Links Mining and Community Access
Aroland First Nation, a Treaty 9 signatory and Ojibwa, Oji-Cree and Cree community, has approximately 700 registered members, about 400 of whom live in the community. The road improvements are expected to enhance connections to services alongside their role in supporting resource development.
Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, said environmental assessment work has allowed the transportation project to move forward.
“A strong economy and a healthy environment go hand in hand – and with the successful completion of MTO’s class environmental assessment process, MTO can now move forward with the project. Ontario is proud to be working with First Nations partners to connect communities and unlock generational opportunity in the North while protecting our shared environment.”
The road program represents a central component of Ontario’s effort to establish infrastructure needed to develop critical mineral resources while expanding transportation access across northern communities. The province is positioning the Ring of Fire as a long-term source of investment, employment and domestic supply-chain capacity as global demand for critical minerals continues to grow.