Ontario Connecting Communities with Essential Infrastructure
TORONTO – The Ontario government is investing an additional $6 million in the Provincial Forest Access Roads Funding Program to help construct and maintain forestry roads used for regional travel between communities, the transport of goods and emergency preparedness and response along with providing access routes for the tourism sector and industry. The investment will increase funding for the program to over $59 million in 2024-25.
“Many people rely on this road network every day for travel between work and home and everywhere in-between,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “This investment will keep people and vehicles moving safely, support efficient business operations and build safer, stronger communities.”
The Provincial Forest Access Roads Funding Program provides funding for new construction and maintenance of over 19,500 kilometres of public forest access roads and other essential infrastructure.
“As part of our commitment to improve quality of life in Northern and First Nations communities, our government is proud to deliver targeted supports that lead to a stronger, more connected road network,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “We understand the unique challenges that forestry partners face as part of their operations in the North, and we are pleased to deliver a solution that is beneficial to northern and Indigenous communities alike.”
Public forest access road infrastructure is vital to Northern, rural and Indigenous communities. It permits safe travel within and between regions, enables business operations for industry and tourism operators and provides public access to nature and outdoor recreation. The road network and other infrastructure also protect public safety by supporting emergency preparedness and response.
Quick Facts
- In addition to supporting public quality of life and promoting local economic activity, investments in forest access roads advance Ontario’s sustainable forest management goals by enabling forest management and regeneration.
Quotes
“Well-maintained forest road infrastructure is critical to the success of Ontario’s forest industry, communities, and all users of Ontario’s forests. We thank the Ontario government for their continued leadership in support of this critical program.”
– Ian Dunn, R.P.F.
President & CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association
“Nature & Outdoor Tourism Ontario is pleased to see the additional support in this year’s budget targeted at maintenance of forest access roads. In some parts of Northern Ontario, tourism businesses and their guests rely on legal and safe access roads to get to their facilities, as well as areas to hunt and explore while visiting the north. Providing safe and quality outdoor experiences is paramount for the resource-based tourism sector.”
– Laurie Marcil
Executive Director, Nature & Outdoor Tourism Ontario
“The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities is proud to support the recent increase to forestry road funding. This investment not only supports the backbone of the forestry sector but also promises to generate new employment opportunities for northern communities and Indigenous communities.”
– Danny Whalen
President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities
“The government’s increase in forestry road funding is great news and fully supported by the Northern Ontario Municipal Association. This investment will support the forestry sector, enhance emergency response, boost tourism and supports our Northern and Indigenous communities. It’s an investment in resilience, prosperity, and well-being for Northern Ontario.”
– Wendy Landry
Mayor of Shuniah, President of North Ontario Municipal Association
Additional Resources
Provincial Forest Access Roads Funding Program