DrivingonEmpties: OneGoodDeedBegetsAnother
BySteveSchmidt
When Diane Daigle-Dinel started collecting refundable bottles and cans,itwastowardfundingadonation
for the Chapleau Firefighter Associationandtheirlatestpurchase,an upgradedversionofthe 'JawsofLife'. Sheandhersister-in-law,AnnieGilbert had experienced the traumatic loss of Annie's husband Paul Servant and Diane's daughter Melanie in a house fire. With the thirty year anniversary approaching, they were organizing a memorial ball to raise funds
B u t t h e y w a n t e d t o fundraise the expenses of the ball - the food and other costs - so that the total amount raisedbysaleof
the tickets would go straight to thefirefighters
Diane saw that with the closure of the local beer store, people now had empties with fewer options to redeem them. Thusbeganherenterprise: raise moneyforthememorialballand keep the empties out of the landfill.
She let people know that theycoulddroptheiremptiesat herhomeat184MartelRoador message her through Facebook Messenger and that the proceeds would go to a worthy cause. Andtheemptiesstarted comingin "EvenwhenIwascamping,people would drop off their empties," she says with a laugh "Itkindatookoff!"
Once she had a load she would drive the empties to Timmins,Foleyet-or anywhere they would redeemlargeamounts of empty cans and bottles. Julie Robitalle donated all the empties from K a n i p a h o w Wilderness Resort Canadian Airways contactedhertocome pickuptheirs.
T h e W i n t e r Wonderland Formal would go on to raise $11,963 59 for the
Chapleau Firefighter Association - and more Yettheemptieskeptcoming
So Diane decided to keep a good thing going Throughsocialmediasheconsultedwith folksandcameupwithanextensivelistoflocal goodcausesthatcoulduseaboost "OnceIhave $500 I will go online and spin a wheel to select the next recipient Once they get the money, theirnamewillberetireduntilthewholelisthas receivedadonation." Dianevows, "Andwe'll keep spinning the wheel as long as the empties keepcomingin!"
Ifyouwouldliketodonateyourempties orhelpout,contactDianeDaigle-Dinelthrough FacebookMessenger
NadiaServent,GrahamBertrandandDianeDaigle-Dinel
Administrator Full-Time, Permanent Full job description
The Township of Chapleau is a community with a population of approximately 1,960 residents. Located on CP Rail’s transcontinental route at the north end of Highway 129. Activities such as fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing, boating, festivalsandotherrecreationalopportunitiesmakeitanattractivefriendlynorthern community
PositionResponsibilities
Reporting to the ChiefAdministrative Officer, theAdministrator is responsible for providing senior level administrative support to departmental staff and for delivering superior customer service to residents and ratepayers accessing municipal services The key duties of this position require exceptional organizational and accuracy skills in combination with an ability to manage multipletaskswhileadheringtolegislativedeadlines. Theusualresponsibilitiesare:
• Overseeing all incoming and outgoing communications, including emails, phonecalls,reports,andinternalcorrespondencefortheCAOandMayor
• Managing important documents, such as permanent records including meeting minutes, resolutions, Agendas, reports, meeting notes, emails, and letters
• ManagingtheMayor’sschedule,incomingemailsandactivities
• Keeping the executive’s calendar up-to-date, including adding events, reschedulingappointmentsandprovidingdailybriefings
• Actingasthegatekeeperforinternalandexternalcontacts,includingvendors, colleagues,clients,andcustomers
• Conducting research and creating reports on various topics based on the needsoftheexecutive
• Planning and organizing events that take place externally, such as visiting dignitaries,Ministrystaffandappreciationevents
• Maintainingahighdegreeofdiscretionandconfidentiality
• Assists with maintaining and managing the filing system for both electronic andpaperrecordsinaccordancewiththerecordsretentionby-law QualificationsandExperience
• Completionofpost-secondaryeducationinBusinessAdministration,Finance orrelatedfield.
• A minimum of 2 (two) years of senior administrative experience involving contactwiththepublicandseniormanagement.
• Completion of Municipal Administration Program (MAP) and from the Association of Municipal Clerks andTreasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) considered anasset.
• Working knowledge of the Municipal Act and the Municipal Freedom of InformationandProtectionofPrivacyActandAlcoholandGamingCorporationAct isanasset.
• Knowledge of computer applications and software (Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe,Vadum,PowerPoint).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively and courteously with all levels of staff and contacts in a customer service-excellenceenvironment.
• BilingualEnglishandFrenchisanasset HoursofWork/RateofPay
Salary for this position is $71,000-$79,912, based on 35 hours/week. Typical hoursareMonday–Friday8:30a.m.–4:30p.m. HowtoApply
To apply, email a cover letter and resume in PDF format clearly marked “Administrator” in confidence to the attention of Judith Meyntz, Chief AdministrativeOfficeratcao@chapleau.ca
ClosingDate:December12,2025orassoonasfilled. Personal information contained in application will be used for recruitment purposes and collected as per the Municipal Freedom of Information and ProtectionofPrivacyAct,R.S.O.1990,ChapterM.56
Wethankallapplicantswhoapply,however,onlythoseconsideredforaninterview willbecontacted.
AccessibleAccommodations
TheTownship of Chapleau is an equal opportunity employer In accordance with theAccessibility for Ontarians with DisabilitiesAct, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Chapleau will provide accommodations to all applicants with disabilitiesthroughouttherecruitment,selectionand/orassessmentprocess.
MunicipalAdministrativeAssistant Contract Full-Time
Full job description
TheTownship of Chapleau is a community with a population of approximately 1,960 residents. Located on CP Rail’s transcontinental route at the north end of Highway 129.Activities such as fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing, boating, festivals and other recreational opportunities make it an attractive friendly northern community
Position Responsibilities
Reporting to the ChiefAdministrative Officer, the MunicipalAdministrativeAssistant is responsible for providing administrative support to departmental staff and for delivering superior customer service to residents and ratepayers accessing municipal services.The key duties of this position require exceptional organizational and accuracy skills in combination with an ability to manage multiple tasks while adhering to legislative deadlines.
The usual responsibilities are:
• Acts as first point of contact in the office for the public, answering enquiries over the telephone or in person, providing routine information and referring caller/visitor to appropriate staff member when required.
• Receives, logs and distributes incoming mail, faxes and emails to appropriate party either manually or electronically
• Processes all outgoing mail, and schedules and coordinates scheduling of courier pick-ups, etc.
• Receives payments over the counter, through a variety of methods. Posts all tax and general payments to the journal and issues receipts using the municipal computer program.
• Assists with preparing and distributing various contracts for different services provided by the municipality
• Assists with maintaining and managing the filing system for both electronic and paper records in accordance with the records retention by-law
• Performs all administrative support services which includes but not limited to the production of all forms, correspondence, reports, statements and presentation materials on behalf of the CAO andTreasurer
• Provides support corporate wide for municipal projects with respect to corporate and department initiatives and goals.
Qualifications and Experience
• Completion of post-secondary education in BusinessAdministration, Finance or related field.
• Aminimum of 2 (two) years of administrative experience involving contact with the public and senior management.
• Completion of MunicipalAdministration Program (MAP) and from the Association of Municipal Clerks andTreasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of the MunicipalAct and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of PrivacyAct andAlcohol and Gaming CorporationAct is an asset.
• Knowledge of computer applications and software (Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, Vadim, PowerPoint).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively and courteously with all levels of staff and contacts in a customer service-excellence environment.
• Bilingual English and French Hours of Work/Rate of Pay
Salary for this position is $55,470-$62,432, based on 35 hours/week.Typical hours are Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; offering a comprehensive benefits package and participation in OMERS How toApply
To apply, email a cover letter and resume in PDF format clearly marked “Municipal AdministrativeAssistant” in confidence to the attention of Judith Meyntz, Chief Administrative Officer at cao@chapleau.ca
Closing Date: December 8, 2025, or until filled
Personal information contained in application will be used for recruitment purposes and collected as per the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of PrivacyAct, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter M.56
We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
AccessibleAccommodations
TheTownship of Chapleau is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with theAccessibility for Ontarians with DisabilitiesAct, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Chapleau will provide accommodations to all applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process.
Moments MichaelJ. Morris
Chapleau's own Lorne Riley Jr made international news recently when his band Mileage 51 released its new album "Stone Unturned"acrosstheUnitedKingdom,aswellas onFacebook.
Mileage 51 is a Dubai-based band proudly rooted in the rock and blues stylings from the US the and UK In their debut album, Stone Unturned, the expat foursome presents a collectionoforiginalsongsthatechotheclassic retro sounds which form the bedrock of today’s music.StoneUnturnedproudlytrotsoutthepast with a refreshingly genuine take on music from daysgonebybutneverforgotten
Lorne, the son of Jackie and the late LorneRiley,whonowlivesinDubaiandworks at the world's largest international airport as Director of Corporate Communications is the lead singer for Mileage 51's new single 'Retroman'
It wasfeaturedonUK'sDiscoverMusic Show which features new, rising stars. In his radio interview, Lorne fondly recalls early
LorneRileyJrofChapleanmakesinternationalnewswhen hisbandMileage51releasesnewalbum'StoneUnturned’
musicalmemoriesinChapleau.
I connected with Lorne a graduate of ChapleauHighSchoolwhoalsohasanHonours DegreeinJournalismfromCarletonUniversity andaskedhimabouthisnewventureandhowhis timeinChapleauinfluencedhismusic.
"I may live in a big city, but I'm a small town guy at heart And our music reflects that My interest in music started in my late teens in Chapleau with two local blues/rock bands "People People" and "The Horses". Ken Lane, Bucko Laframboise, Murray Midkiff and Hugh McGoldrick,alltalentedmusiciansintheirown right, showed me how rewarding and fun performingcanbe
"Now let's be clear I'm no international rockstar,notbyalongstretch!We'rejustagroup ofguyswholovemusicandwantedtowriteand produceourownalbum Nowthatwehavedone that,we'retryingtoshareitwithasmanypeople aspossible"
Lornesentmetheinterviewhedidonthe DiscoverMusicShowandhadtosmilewhenthe interviewer started with questions about cold weather in Canada and Lorne sure made his home lookgood inhiscomments Iwasalsoso impressed with 'Retroman"You can access the entire interview through http://mileage51.com oronthegroup'sFacebookpage.
While attending Carleton University in the 1980s, Lorne performed with a three piece rock
group called 'Blue Cotton SealsBand'.
A f t e r connecting with Lorne,ofcourseI recalled that his father with Keith 'Buddy' Swanson and Tom Welch
founded the Chapleau Junior "B" Huskies who won their league
a n d N O H A championships in
1966-67 their first year of operation. But Lorne Jr also played on a championship hockey team. The Chapleau Midget "C" Huskies won the NOHAtitlein1979butdeclaredthemselvesall Ontario champions because there were no Midget"C"teamsinsouthernOntario Mileage 51 is signed with Matchbox in the UK and has inked a distribution deal with Universal Music Operations The album is available on iTunes, Spotify and via their website at http://mileage51 and more informationisavailabletheirFacebookpage. Congratulations Lorne and all the best. Thanksforyourco-operation.
LorneonrightwithMileage51
Chapleau Midget "C" NOHA Champions 1979. Back row from left: Martin Healey,ShaneGillham,TimMorin,JohnBernier,RobertSerre,DanTebbutt, MichaelTremblay,PaulLegros,GeoffreyHong,MichaelPayette,MikeTangie. Front from left: Marc Trottier, David Freeborn, Yves Gervais, Lorne Riley, RandyCarroll,GaryChambers,ShawnRussell.AbsentcoachJamieDoyle
FONOMWelcomesFederalSupportforSteelandLumberSectorsImpactedbyU.S.Tariffs
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) welcomes today’s announcementbyPrimeMinisterMarkCarney outlining new federal measures to support Canada’ssteelandsoftwoodlumberindustries, which continue to face unprecedented challengesduetoaggressiveU.S.tariffactions.
The federal plan includes strengthened protections for domestic producers, expanded financial supports for companies facing liquidity pressures, and new incentives to increasetheuseofCanadiansteelandlumberin national infrastructure and housing projects. Thesemeasuresaimtostabilizesectorsvitalto the economies of many Northern Ontario communities.
Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada will significantly tighten tariff-rate quotas on foreign steel imports, opening an estimated$850millionindomesticdemandfor Canadian producers. In addition, the federal government is allocating $500 million in new financing for softwood lumber firms, paired
with a further $500 million expansion of the Business Development Bank of Canada’s softwoodguaranteeprogram.
FONOM is encouraged by the federal government’s recognition of the pressures facing Northern resource-based communities, where steel and lumber operations support thousandsofjobsandanchorlocaleconomies.
“These measures acknowledge what Northern Ontario has long understood — that our steel and lumber sectors are national economic pillars,” said FONOM President Dave Plourde “U S tariffs continue to destabilize communities across the North, and today’sannouncementprovidesneededtoolsto helpourworkersandindustriesadapt,compete, andgrow.”
FONOM also welcomes the federal commitment to reduce interprovincial freight rates by 50 per cent for steel and lumber shipments beginning next spring Lower transportation costs will help Northern producers access new domestic markets and
move product efficiently while north-south traderemainsconstrained.
As part of the plan, the federal government will also advance the Buy Canadian Policy, ensuring that major defence, construction, and infrastructure projects prioritizeCanadiansteel,aluminum,andwood products.Thisalignsstronglywith FONOM’s longstanding advocacy for procurement policiesthatsupportCanadianjobsandsupply chains.
“Keeping Canadian dollars working in Canada is essential,” added the President “Thesestepswillcreatenewdemandformadein-Canada materials while helping stabilize communities affected by unpredictable U.S. tradeactions.”
FONOM looks forward to continued collaborationwithfederalofficialstoensurethe timelyrolloutoftheseprograms,andtoensure that Northern Ontario municipalities and industries can fully benefit from the measures announcedtoday
ProtectingOntariobyKeepingCriminalsBehindBars
Province to introduce legislation to help keep dangerous and repeat offenders off the streets
Today, the Ontario government will introduce legislation that, if passed, would hold offenders accountable, support victims of crime and strengthen public safety The Keeping Criminals Behind BarsAct, 2025 includes bold newmeasuresthatwouldcrackdownondangerous driving and tighten bail requirements to protect communities. In addition to legislation, the government will strengthen safety protocols in adult correctional institutions and explore options to make information contained in the Ontario Sex Offender and Trafficker Registry publiclyavailable.
“As part of our government’s plan to protectOntarioandcrackdownoncriminals,we aremovingforwardwithboldnewmeasuresthat put public safety first,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “For too long, violent repeat offendershavecycledthroughthejusticesystem, puttingfamiliesatriskandwreakinghavocinour communities This legislation tackles those issues by strengthening bail compliance and holdingcriminalsaccountable.”
To strengthen bail compliance, hold offenders accountable and keep violent, repeat offenders behind bars, the government’s proposed legislation will require an accused person ortheirsuretytoprovideacashsecuritydeposit in the full amount ordered by the court. Other proposedmeasurestostrengthenthebailsystem include enhanced digital tools to track repeat offenders and those not in compliance with bail conditions. Ontario is continuing to make the necessaryinvestmentstoincreasecapacityinthe
adult correctional institution system. These investments include adding permanent beds and retrofitting, repairing and reopening former correctional institutions, to ensure no violent, repeat offender ever walks free as a result of a lackofcorrectionalcapacity
“Our government is delivering on a promise to fix the broken bail system and hold offenders accountable By tightening bail requirements with tougher rules and stronger enforcementwearebuildingonourworktokeep communitiessafe,”saidAttorneyGeneralDoug Downey “The proposed new measures in the legislationarethelateststepinourongoingwork to strengthen Ontario’s justice system – from investing millions to build court capacity, to increasing access to justice with modern solutions – and we will continue taking decisive actiontoprotectOntario.”
Theprovinceisalsointroducingasuiteof measures aimed at cracking down on dangerous driving. Earlier this year, Andrew Cristillo was killed in a collision involving a driver who was facing charges for dangerous driving and stunt driving.Mr.Cristillo’sfamilylaunchedapetition for “Andrew’s Law,” calling for increased penaltiesfordangerousdriving.Tosupportsafer highways and roads, the government will introduceseveralmeasureslatertodayinresponseto the petition including removing dangerous drivers from the streets by introducing tougher roadside enforcement and higher penalties. Theseincludeallowingpolicetoissueanimmediate roadside driver’s licence suspension of 90 days and impound a vehicle for sevendaysiftheyhavereasonto believe a person was driving dangerously. Other measures includeexploringtheimplementation of a requirement that impaired drivers pay ongoing childsupportiftheykillachild’s parent or guardian, as well as increasing penalties for careless driving,drivingwithasuspended license and for commercial drivers convicted of distracted driving.
“Nooneshouldeverhavetolose a loved one or suffer a lifechanging injury because another driver chose to drive dangerously,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “In response to the Andrew’s Law petition, our government is introducingtoughnewmeasures tocrackdownonrecklessdrivers
andkeepourroadssafe.”
Other measures that complement the legislative proposals will hold offenders accountable and supportvictimsofcrime.Thisincludesexploring options to make parts of the Ontario Sex Offenders and Trafficker Registry publicly available to give the public the information it needs to support safe communities, as well as measuresthatwouldcrackdownontheproductionanduseofillegaldrugs,includingonpublic transit.Italsoincludesexploringoptionstomake surethatcriticalinfrastructuresuchasroadways, transit hubs and hospitals, as well as places of worship and cultural centres, are kept clear so that everyone can access them safely, without intimidation,impedimentorharassment. To support public safety personnel and their families, the government will expand access to the Ontario Immediate Family Wellness Program, embedding the Constable Joe MacDonald Public Safety Officers’ Survivors Scholarship Fund in statute and implementing new measures that will protect the safety of correctional officers in adult correctional facilities.
Finally, the proposed legislation contains a number of measures to protect animals and ensure their humane treatment, including by restrictinginvasivemedicalresearchondogsand cats unless it is for specified purposes, such as veterinary research. These restrictions will be specified through regulation, with the consultation period beginning today The government willalsoincreasepenaltiesforpeoplewhoharm animals that work with peace officers and, in early 2026, will begin consultations on banning medically unnecessary procedures that harm dogs and cats, such as declawing and earcropping.
TheKeepingCriminalsBehindBarsAct, 2025 builds on previous community safety and justice legislation that was introduced in 2024 andearlierin2025.
Drivers convicted of dangerous driving within a five-year period are about three and a halftimesmorelikelytocauseaseriouscollision thandriverswithacleanrecord.
Large trucks are involved in one in five Ontarioroadwayfatalitieseachyear.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causesofcollisionsinOntario,resultinginonein sevenfatalitiesannually.
TheKeepingCriminalsBehindBarsAct would, if passed, also amend the Police Record ChecksReformActtoenableservicestandardsto bedevelopedtohelpreducedelaysinprocessing policerecordchecksthatcanimpactemployment andaccesstoservices.
Lastweekssolutions
MOMENTS IN TIME
On Dec 12, 1899, George F Grant, an African American dentist from Boston, received a U.S. patent for the world's first golf tee He gave away a few copies of his creation, but was neither a professional marketer or inventor, and made no moneyonhisproductbeforehisdeath.
Trouverdel’aideencasdedifficultésfinancières
(EN) De nombreux Canadiens sont aux prises avec des problèmes financiers, et il peut être difficile d’en parler Cependant, il est toujours bondeparlerdesesdifficultésfinancièresavecsa banque le plus tôt possible. Plus elle comprend rapidement votre situation, plus elle peut vous offrir des options. Si vous vous sentez toujours dépassé, en particulier lorsqu’il s’agit de rembourser des dettes, et que vous avez l’impression qu’il n’y a pas d’issue, d’autres services sont également disponibles. En voici quelques-uns:
Conseillersencrédit
Sivousavezdesdifficultésàrembourser vos dettes ou à respecter vos échéances de paiement,vouspouvezconsulterunconseilleren crédit. Les conseillers en crédit fournissent des conseils et une formation sur la gestion des dettes, l’établissement d’un budget et l’amélioration de la cote de crédit. Il existe des servicesdeconseilenmatièredecréditproposés par des organisations à but non lucratif et des entreprisesàbutlucratif.
Lesimplefaitdeparleràunconseillern’a aucune incidence sur votre cote de crédit. Une agence de conseil en crédit peut fournir une gamme de services, tels que des consultations individuelles, des cours de groupe et des séminaires, ainsi que des plans de gestion des dettes.
Il est conseillé de faire vos recherches pour trouver une organisation fiable et un conseillerqualifié.Assurez-vousdeconnaîtreles services qu’ils proposent et leur coût. Vous pouvez aussi vérifier si une agence est en règle auprès d’un organisme réglementaire provincial ounational.
Sociétésdeconsolidationdedettes
Ce type de service propose des prêts permettant de regrouper plusieurs dettes en un seulpaiement.Celapeutvousaideràsimplifierla gestion de vos dettes et à réduire vos paiements mensuels. Diverses entreprises proposent des produits ou des services de consolidation de dettes. La réglementation des sociétés de consolidation de dettes varie d’une province ou d’unterritoireàl’autre.Vouspouvezconsulterle Conseil canadien des bureaux d’éthique
commerciale si vous avez des doutes sur la réputationd’uneentreprise.
Il est important de noter que certaines optionsdeconsolidationdedettespeuventavoir des taux d’intérêt plus élevés que vos dettes actuelles. Soyez prudent et faites le tour du marchépourtrouverletauxleplusbas. Syndicsautoriséseninsolvabilité
Les syndics d’insolvabilité agréés sont des professionnels réglementés au niveau fédéral. Ils peuvent vous fournir des conseils et des services si vous avez des problèmes d’endettement. Ils peuvent aussi vous aider à faire des choix éclairés pour réduire vos difficultés financières Ce sont les seuls professionnels autorisés à gérer les propositions deconsommateursetlesfaillites.
L’essentiel, lorsque vous choisissez des servicesfinanciers,estdefaireletourdumarché, defairedesrecherchesetdeposerdesquestions lorsque vous ne comprenez pas quelque chose. Vous pouvez consulter des ressources, comme cellesoffertesparl’Agencedelaconsommation enmatièrefinancièreduCanada,quidisposentde renseignementsetd’outilspourvousaideràgérer vos dettes. Pour en savoir plus, visitez le site canada.ca/argent.
OPPRide-Novice
DriverCharged
(CHAPLEAU, ON)-TheSuperiorEastOntario Provincial Police (OPP) charged a young driver under Ontario's zero tolerance law at a Reduce ImpairedDrivingEverywhere(RIDE)program. On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at approximately 11:45 p m , members of the SuperiorEastOPPdetachmentstoppedavehicle ataRIDEcheckpointonMonkStreetintheTown ofChapleau.Officersconductedroadsidebreath testusinganApprovedScreeningDevice(ASD) anddeterminedthedriverhadconsumedalcohol.
As a result, a 21-year-old Chapleau residentwaschargedwith:
· Novicedriver-B.A.C.abovezero
· Driverfailtosurrenderlicence
The driver was issued provincial offence notices,andtheirlicencewassuspendedforthree days.
Young, novice and commercial drivers are reminded that under Ontario's zero tolerance law,thesedriverclassescannothaveanyalcohol intheirsystem.
The Ontario government is connecting remote northern communities and creating opportunities for economic development by investing$8millionthroughthe2025-26Winter RoadsProgram.Thefundingwillhelp32remote First Nation communities and the Town of Moosonee build and operate approximately 3,200 kilometres of temporary winter roads that are used to deliver essential goods, connect to jobsandservicesandallowforinter-community participationinculturalevents.
“The winter roads network is an economic lifeline for many northern communities,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.
“Temporary winter roads provide more affordabletransportationoptionsfornorthernjob creators and employers, as well as vital connections to all-season roads. Through this investment, we are helping Far North communitiesmaximizetheireconomicpotential andimprovingqualityoflifefornortherners.”
Some winter roads projects being funded this yearinclude:
· $452,099forthecommunityofWeenusk tobuildawinterroadthatistheonlyconnection fromthecommunitytoFortSevern
· $280,356 for the community of Wawakapewin to build a winter road to connect to Highway 599 which serves as a vital link for remotecommunities
· $248,654 for the community of Sandy Laketobuildawinterroadthatconnectswiththe Deer Lake winter road system and the Keewaywin winter road, providing residents withalinktovariouscommunities
· $117,336 for the community of AmimakeeWaZhing#37(NorthwestAngle#37) to build a winter road from Windigo Island to Kenora, providing residents with the only road accesstothecity
The winter roads network serves more than24,000peoplefromaboutmid-Januaryuntil the spring thaw These important roads make it easier for remote communities to bring in essential goods and services, such as food, medical and construction supplies. Community members also use the network to access jobs, events, visit friends and family, and travel to health care and other appointments. They also provide more affordable transportation options for the mining industry, a key contributor to the northerneconomy.
“Our government is investing in the Winter Roads Program to improve and expand critical transportation infrastructure across the North,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “These temporary winter roads are vital connections that support economic development and increase access to essential resourcesforthousandsofnortherners,ensuring communities remain connected and keeping peopleandgoodsmovingacrosstheFarNorth.”
This investment is in addition to the $5 millionthegovernmenthasprovidedthroughthe BridgesandCulvertsStreamoftheWinterRoads Program to remote First Nation communities to purchase and install pre-engineered bridges and culverts and to repair existing water-crossing structuresalongthewinterroadsnetwork.
“Winter roads are crucial lifelines for northernandremoteFirstNationscommunities, providingaccesstoessentialgoods,servicesand oneanotherduringthewinterseason,”saidGreg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and MinisterResponsibleforRingofFireEconomic and Community Partnerships. “Our government recognizes the need for seasonally accessible infrastructureandremainscommittedtoworking with and supporting communities through targeted investments like that of the Winter
RoadsProgram.”
“Safetravelroutesbetweencommunities areessentialtothequalityoflifeinruralOntario. The winter roads network plays a central part in creatingsafeandstrongruralcommunities,”said LisaThompson,MinisterofRuralAffairs.“With the Winter Roads Program, our government is ensuring that rural and remote northern communities across the province will be able to build and maintain roads needed to create and protecteconomicdevelopmentopportunitiesand jobsinOntario.”
At 3,200 kilometres, Ontario's winter roads network is the longest in Canada. The network serves a population of approximately 24,000 across 32 remote Indigenous communities and the Town of Moosonee. Typically,theseroadsareopenforapproximately sixto11weeksperyear,fromlateJanuaryuntil theendofMarch.
InAugust2025,theOntariogovernment announced it was increasing its annual funding for the Winter Roads Program to $13 million to double down on efforts to protect northern families and businesses by investing in infrastructuretheyneedtobuildstrong,resilient communities.
TheOntariogovernmentisalsoinvesting over $16 million in Northern Ontario to support ninemunicipalitiesthroughthe2025-26