The Ontario government is increasing its annual investment in the province’s Winter Roads Program to $13 million, aiming to strengthen vital seasonal transportation links across Northern Ontario and protect communities facing economic uncertainty.
Announced Thursday by the Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth, the funding will support the construction and maintenance of nearly 3,200 kilometres of winter roads that connect 32 remote First Nation communities and the Town of Moosonee to the provincial road network. The network, the longest of its kind in Canada, serves more than 24,000 residents who depend on it for access to goods, services and employment during the winter months.
“Winter roads are a lifeline for northern communities that keep people connected and help local businesses move goods and supplies,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This investment will strengthen the seasonal road network, improve access to services and help Northern Ontario remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs.”
Expanded support for construction and maintenance
Of the total investment, $8 million will go toward assisting communities with building and operating the seasonal network during the 2025-26 season. Typically open for six to 11 weeks between late January and the end of March, the ice and snow-packed routes serve as critical corridors for transporting food, fuel, medical supplies and construction materials that would otherwise require costly air transport.
The roads also provide social and cultural connections, allowing residents to attend events, visit relatives, and travel for healthcare and other essential services.
An additional $5 million is earmarked under the Bridges and Culverts Stream of the program to fund the purchase, installation and repair of pre-engineered bridges and culverts. These upgrades are designed to improve safety and ensure uninterrupted travel over water crossings, even in the face of variable winter conditions.
Broader infrastructure investments in the North
The winter roads funding is part of a wider infrastructure strategy by the provincial government. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is investing nearly $600 million to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges across Northern Ontario this year,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “This funding will help First Nations and other communities across the North stay connected, protecting Ontario’s economy, keeping people moving and allowing Ontario families to access essential goods and services during the winter months.”
Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, underscored the program’s role in supporting reconciliation efforts. “Winter roads are lifelines for remote Indigenous families, connecting communities and commerce across the Far North,” Rickford said. “This investment strengthens those corridors and reflects our commitment to meaningful reconciliation through infrastructure that supports opportunity and future prosperity.”
Strategic importance amid economic challenges
The increased funding comes as the province works to safeguard Northern Ontario’s economy from external pressures, including impacts from U.S. tariffs. By enhancing transport reliability and reducing the costs of moving goods, the government aims to bolster local business resilience and maintain vital supply chains.
The Winter Roads Program has long been a key element of the province’s approach to supporting remote communities, but officials say the additional funds will provide a more robust and reliable network, ensuring that communities can continue to access critical goods and services despite economic and environmental uncertainties.
Additional local transportation support
Beyond the winter network, the province is also directing over $16 million toward the 2025-26 Connecting Links program, which funds repairs to municipal roads and bridges in Northern Ontario. These projects are intended to facilitate the movement of goods, link workers to jobs, and stimulate regional economic growth year-round.
Quick facts
- Ontario’s winter roads network is 3,200 kilometres long — the longest in Canada.
- It serves approximately 24,000 residents in 32 remote Indigenous communities and the Town of Moosonee.
- Roads are typically operational from late January to the end of March, depending on weather conditions.
- Bridges and Culverts Stream funding for 2025-26 will also support geotechnical studies for future bridge installations.
The government’s move signals an acknowledgment of the unique transportation challenges in the Far North and the necessity of stable, well-maintained winter road infrastructure to support both the daily lives of residents and the long-term economic prospects of Northern Ontario.
