A New Chapter for Northern Communities

Mina Rahimi | Toronto| Ontario Strengthens Indigenous Partnerships Through Major Investments in Community Infrastructure and Northern Development

The Ontario government announced two significant initiatives this week aimed at strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, expanding vital infrastructure in the North, and advancing long term economic development across the province. In Thunder Bay, provincial officials confirmed a two million dollar investment to support the creation of a new Indigenous community centre. In Toronto, Premier Doug Ford and Marten Falls First Nation signed a landmark agreement that will accelerate construction of a long awaited all season access road and unlock major economic opportunities connected to the Ring of Fire.

Together, the announcements reflect a broader effort by the province to deepen nation to nation partnerships and ensure that northern and Indigenous communities have the resources, infrastructure and decision making support they need for the years ahead.

New community space in Thunder Bay aims to strengthen healing and connection

In Thunder Bay, the province is providing two million dollars through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to help the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre renovate a newly purchased property on Red River Road. The centre plans to transform the building into an accessible gathering place focused on healing, cultural education and essential services.

Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth George Pirie said the investment reflects the governments commitment to reconciliation and to ensuring that communities in the North have the infrastructure they need to remain strong and resilient. “Our government is proud to support the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre as it expands into a new space to better serve its community for years to come,” Pirie said. “With funding support from the province, the new centre will create a safe, welcoming cultural space for Indigenous people that nurtures healing, development and self determination.”

The redesigned building will allow the centre to expand programs related to education, skills training, housing, justice services and health care. It will also provide room for traditional teachings and a broader range of cultural programming.

Roseanna Hudson, President of the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, said the support allows the organization to move forward with a long standing vision. “I would like to thank the Government of Ontario for investing and believing in our organizations vision,” Hudson said. “It will be used for creating connections and provide the community with a traditional gathering space that is safe and modern for programming.”

Local representatives also stressed the importance of the centre to families in the region. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay Atikokan, noted that the expanded facility will help provide a stronger network of support.
“I am grateful to everyone whose work has helped move this project forward,” he said. “This investment will help create a welcoming space that supports community, culture and opportunity for years to come.”

Charlene Baglien, Executive Director of the centre, underscored the cultural foundation of the project, saying, “Your presence and generous gift create a nurturing space for our mind, body and spirit, laying the foundation for a good way of life, Mino Bimaadiziwin. Chi miigwetch for your support.”

Historic partnership with Marten Falls First Nation accelerates road to the Ring of Fire

On the same day, the provincial government and Marten Falls First Nation announced a significant step forward in plans to connect the community to the provincial road network and to advance development related to the Ring of Fire. Premier Doug Ford joined Minister Greg Rickford and Marten Falls Chief Bruce Achneepineskum in Toronto to sign a Community Partnership Agreement that will fast track the Marten Falls Community Access Road. The all season road will provide reliable access to the community, support economic development and serve as a critical link in the proposed northern road network connected to the Ring of Fire.

“This historic agreement is a landmark moment in our plan to unleash the economic benefits of the Ring of Fire,” Ford said. “I want to thank Chief Achneepineskum and Marten Falls First Nation for their vision and partnership, helping our government build a stronger, more competitive economy that can withstand tariffs and any other challenges that come our way.”

Under the agreement, Ontario will invest up to thirty nine point five million dollars to support community infrastructure and to advance planning and construction of the access road. Marten Falls First Nation will submit its environmental assessment by February of 2026, with the goal of beginning construction as early as August 2026, pending required consultations and federal processes. Chief Achneepineskum described the agreement as a major step forward for both the community and the region.

“For years we have worked diligently on the environmental assessment processes,” he said. “We recognize that we were always working toward reconciliation for our community. Not only economic reconciliation but reconciliation based on fixing a relationship that has historically left us behind. This new chapter in our partnership with Ontario is the start of significant progress and prosperity for our First Nation and the region.”

The agreement also reaffirms the commitment of both parties to continue development of the proposed Northern Road Link, which will connect the access road to the broader highway system, the Webequie Supply Road and the Ring of Fire. Minister Rickford said the partnership reflects a deeper shift in how the province and First Nations are working together. “This Community Partnership Agreement is a testament to our strong nation to nation partnership with Marten Falls First Nation,” he said. “Together, we are writing the next chapter by laying the groundwork for infrastructure and services that will support economic growth and long term prosperity.”

A wider strategy for the North

The two announcements come as the province signals a renewed focus on northern development, with a strengthened mandate for the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, increased investments in economic infrastructure and a continued expansion of partnerships with First Nations. Since 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than nine hundred eighty three million dollars in nearly eight thousand projects across Northern Ontario, supporting more than twelve thousand jobs.

As new community spaces rise in Thunder Bay and long awaited road construction moves closer to reality for Marten Falls, provincial officials say these investments reflect a shared goal: strong, resilient northern communities that have the tools, infrastructure and cultural supports they need to thrive for generations to come.