Province, 4 First Nations sign deal to build roads

Project would improve access to Ring of Fire region

- LIAM CASEY

Four First Nations have signed a deal with Ontario for new roads, other infrastructure projects and skills training as the province lays a foundation for plans to mine the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region.

The province said Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation and Long Lake #58 First Nation will see their roads that connect to the provincial highway system fortified and renewed.

The roads, about 300 kilometres east of Thunder Bay, Ont., will support critical mineral and resource development, Premier Doug Ford said.

"These are all-season roads that will support First Nations communities, built by First Nations workers," Ford wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

The province signed letters of confirmation with Kenogamisis Investment Corporation, and Minodahmun Development, the former owned by those four First Nations and the latter owned by three of them.