Ontario signs Ring of Fire agreement with First Nations
The agreement includes support for upgrades to Anaconda and Painter Lake Roads.

Key Takeaways:
- The Shared Prosperity Agreement between Ontario, Aroland First Nation, and other First Nations partners focuses on upgrading key roads, investing in energy transmission, and creating opportunities related to the Ring of Fire, aiming to boost economic growth and connectivity in Northern Ontario.
- The agreement allocates $20 million for community infrastructure projects to support business development, $70 million for the Greenstone Electricity Transmission Line, and additional funds for a community plan and potential economic ventures like a transload facility and smelter.
- The agreement emphasizes partnerships with Aroland and other First Nations to share economic benefits from forestry and mining operations, fostering long-term prosperity and positioning Aroland First Nation as a leader in regional economic activities.
The Whole Story:
Premier Doug Ford, Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, and Aroland First Nation Chief Sonny Gagnon have signed a Shared Prosperity Agreement to drive economic growth and build and upgrade infrastructure in Northern Ontario.
The agreement includes support for upgrades to Anaconda and Painter Lake Roads, which are important connections on the road to the Ring of Fire, as well as major new investments in infrastructure and energy transmission in the region. It also builds upon agreements that are in place with other First Nations partners along the entire proposed length of the roads to the Ring of Fire and helps set the stage for further potential partnerships.
“With the risk of U.S. tariffs, it’s never been more important for us to work together to do everything possible to keep our economy competitive. At the top of the list is unlocking the economic potential of the Ring of Fire region,” said Premier Doug Ford. “These partnerships will transform Northern Ontario with new jobs, growth and opportunities throughout the region. I’m grateful to Chief Sonny Gagnon and Aroland First Nation for their partnership as we sign this historic agreement.”
The agreement will create opportunities and support the long-term prosperity of Aroland and broader Northern Ontario through strategic investments and partnerships, including:
- Support for upgrading Anaconda Road and Painter Lake Road, including the potential establishment of a Road Advisory Body to help move this work forward.
- $70 million to advance route and design planning of the Greenstone Electricity Transmission Line, working with Aroland First Nation, Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Ginoogaming First Nation, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek and Red Rock Indian Band.
- Aroland First Nation has expressed an interest in acting as a proponent for the development of a transload facility and a host community for a smelter. Ontario will support Aroland in considering these opportunities.
- $20 million for community infrastructure projects that support business development, boost community well-being and preparedness to participate in economic activities related to mineral development in the region. Additionally, the agreement provides for up to $2.27 million for a comprehensive community plan to support business development and community wellness.
- Ontario, Aroland First Nation and potentially other interested nearby First Nations will hold discussions to establish an agreement to share the economic benefits of forestry and mining operations in the region.
“Today’s historic agreement with Aroland First Nation is a testament to the strength of our partnership with Chief Sonny Gagnon and the Aroland community,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “By working together, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous future for the North — one that creates sustainable growth, strengthens critical infrastructure, enhances Northern Ontario’s competitiveness on the global stage and positions Aroland First Nation as an economic leader in the region.”