Red Lake Ice Road - (Acadia Broadcasting File Photo)
The provincial government is increasing its annual funding for the Winter Roads Program up to $13 million to build and maintain nearly 3,200 kilometres of winter roads in northern Ontario.
“Winter roads are a lifeline for northern communities that keep people connected and help local businesses move goods and supplies,” said Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, George Pirie.
“This investment will strengthen the seasonal road network, improve access to services and help Northern Ontario remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs.”
Winter roads are unpaved, un-gravelled routes constructed annually over frozen earth, wetlands, lakes, and rivers.
They allow vehicles to travel over the frozen terrain, which, compared to flying, provides residents and businesses with a chance to access more affordable food, building materials, fuel, and other essential goods and services.
Typically, the winter roads are open for approximately six to 11 weeks per year, from late January until the end of March, although in recent years the season has been on the shorter end of the spectrum.
The federal government also increased its spending to support winter roads in November 2024.
