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TORONTO — Construction on the longest stretch of a road network to Ontario’s mineral-rich Ring of Fire region has begun. 

The provincial government announced ground has been broken on a road to eventually connect the remote Marten Falls First Nation to the provincial highway network.

Chief Bruce Achneepineskum says the route will strengthen connections to health care and other essential services, while helping to accelerate the community’s growth. 

The provincial government says it’s part of a plan to unlock the economic potential of the Ring of Fire region and meet global demand for minerals. 

That plan has been met with pushback by some First Nations, notably in response to legislation giving the government powers to fast-track projects. 

The road to Marten Falls will span about 184 kilometres, or just over a third of the total network, and is expected to open by November 2031. 

In June, the province and Webequie First Nation announced the start of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ on a 107-kilometre segment of the road network to that community. 

©2026 The Canadian Press