AROLAND FIRST NATION, ONT. — Ontario and Aroland First Nation are moving ahead with major road improvements intended to strengthen transportation access to the Ring of Fire, with preliminary design and early construction work already underway on the Anaconda and Painter Lake roads.
Work began in June 2026, and the upgraded roads are scheduled to open by November 2030, two years earlier than previously planned, according to the provincial government.
The project will involve the expansion and modernization of both roads to meet two-lane secondary highway standards. Planned work includes bridge upgrades, improvements to drainage systems, road realignment and widening.
Overall, the project covers 97 kilometres of roadway and includes the replacement of all 62 culverts along the corridor.
The upgraded roads are expected to improve connections between Highway 643 and the proposed all-season road network leading toward the Ring of Fire. This includes the proposed Marten Falls Community Access Road, the Webequie Supply Road and the proposed Northern Road Link.
The work on Anaconda and Painter Lake roads forms part of Ontario’s accelerated plan to establish road connections to the Ring of Fire and support the development of transportation infrastructure in the region.
Several other projects are also progressing as part of the broader road network.
Construction on the Webequie Supply Road began in June 2026, with the route scheduled to open by November 2030.
Construction on the Marten Falls Community Access Road is scheduled to begin in August 2026, with completion and opening planned for November 2031.
Meanwhile, construction of the Northern Road Link is scheduled to begin in spring 2028, with the road expected to open in November 2031.
Together, the projects are intended to build a more connected all-season transportation corridor to the Ring of Fire while expanding road infrastructure across the region.
