Ring of Fire road ‘a huge win for northern Ontario’ – by Angela Gismondi (Daily Commercial News – August 29, 2017)

http://dailycommercialnews.com/

“I think it’s a huge win for northern Ontario as a whole,” said Adam Pinder, executive director of the Sault Ste. Marie Construction Association.

“That level of development will certainly impact construction companies either directly or indirectly across the north. A road of that size, an investment of that size, just to get the project underway is a big deal, let alone the potential of the actual Ring of Fire area. We’re happy to hear it and look forward to what the future holds.”

Wynne was joined by Michael Gravelle, minister of northern development and mines, in Thunder Bay Aug. 21 to announce agreements are in place with First Nation communities in northern Ontario to begin constructing an all-season access road to the mineral-rich region.

The Ring of Fire is an emerging mining district in the James Bay Lowlands region located about 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. Environmental assessments are expected to begin by January 2018 and construction is planned to begin in 2019, pending all necessary approvals.

Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA) Chief Operating Officer Geoff Wilkinson said he’s optimistic about the premier’s announcement, especially since “it has taken a long time to get this far.” “We are happy to hear that the government is seeing progress with their negotiations with First Nations communities,” he said.

For the rest of this article: http://dailycommercialnews.com/en-US/Projects/News/2017/8/Ring-of-Fire-road-a-huge-win-for-northern-Ontario-1026744W/