Ontario Releases Plan to Complete Construction on Roads to the Ring of Fire Five Years Ahead of Schedule

March 3, 2026

Beamsville – This week, the Ontario government released a plan to accelerate the completion of construction on the all-seasons roads to the Ring of Fire five years ahead of schedule, with construction planned to start in June 2026 and roads beginning to open in November 2030. The government has also signed new economic partnerships with Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation, which, combined with the accelerated construction schedule and streamlined regulatory environment to speed up approvals, including through One Project, One Process, and the province’s recent agreement with the federal government to eliminate the duplicative impact assessment process, will pave the way for advanced exploration activities in the Ring of Fire.

“I had the privilege of welcoming this good news in person in my role as Associate Minister of Energy while attending this week’s annual convention of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada in Toronto,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“Through this economic partnership with our mining sector and First Nations partners, we are attracting new investment, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and setting a new standard for how resources will be developed in the province for future generations.”

“Unlocking Ontario’s vast supply of critical minerals in the Ring of Fire is at the heart of our plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy,” said Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario.

“This accelerated construction schedule and historic economic agreements with First Nations partners will see roads to the Ring of Fire finished five years ahead of schedule as we begin to deliver generational economic benefits to the region and all of Ontario.”

“After decades of talk, our government’s plan of action will finally unlock the Ring of Fire and supercharge Canada’s self-reliance,” said Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.

“It is a historic day as we announce an accelerated plan to build the roads, along with the transmission and power, to create 70,000 Canadian jobs. Ontario is moving with speed, emerging as the top Canadian jurisdiction for mining investment, and now second on earth, because we are accelerating permitting and building roads, infrastructure and investor confidence as the world’s reliable partner.”

Realizing the economic potential of the Ring of Fire is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create more than 70,000 jobs, make Ontario a critical minerals superpower and add $22 billion to the province’s economy over the next thirty years. As the next step in its plan, Ontario is accelerating construction of the Ring of Fire road network, with shovels in the ground starting this year. With partnership agreements signed in 2025 with First Nations and a co-operation agreement with the federal government to streamline assessment processes, Ontario has established a new, ambitious Ring of Fire road delivery plan.

By cutting red tape while maintaining strong environmental standards and meaningful consultation, the province has created a climate of stability, transparency and predictability that global investors look for. As a result, Ontario is now recognized as the world’s number one low-risk jurisdiction for mining investment in Canada, number two in the world, positioning the province as a leading destination for critical mineral development and long-term resource growth.

The Ontario government, along with Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation, also signed Joint Statements of Economic Partnership, building on the Community Partnership Agreements signed in 2025. These agreements reaffirm a shared commitment to ensure First Nations are full partners in the economic development of the Ring of Fire.

“Our vision has always been to lead economic development within our traditional territories, and true reconciliation requires the resources to make that happen,” said Bruce Achneepineskum, Chief of Marten Falls First Nation.

“Through this agreement with Ontario for development planning, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable, Indigenous-led prosperity as the Ring of Fire advances. We are equipping our people with the tools to protect our interests, capitalize on business opportunities and drive long-term economic independence. This is about ensuring our community is ready to build, lead and thrive.”

As the global demand for critical minerals needed to manufacture electric vehicles, batteries, modern defence technologies and advanced manufacturing continues to grow, Ontario has the deposits, skilled workforce, expertise and business-friendly investment climate to secure the province’s place as the most competitive jurisdiction in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business.