Consultation and engagement during the review period for the Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement will be led by the federal and provincial government agencies. Please visit the Feedback page for instructions and contact information to submit your feedback.
Message from the Chief
Bruce Achneepineskum
On behalf of Marten Falls First Nation Council
Boozhoo,
For generations, Marten Falls First Nation has dreamed of connecting our remote northern community to the Ontario provincial highway network and the rest of the province. This vision is about more than building a road—it’s about creating a future where our people can thrive. With the release of the Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement for our Community Access Road, we are closer than
ever to making the road a reality.
After many years of planning, technical studies, data collection, and consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities and the public, we have reached a milestone that fills our community with hope and excitement. Through this Assessment Process, we considered both the natural environment and the cultural and economic concerns of our community, including the acknowledgement of our Indigenous and Treaty rights.
As we move forward, the Province and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada will review the Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement and supporting documents—in consideration of feedback from Indigenous communities and interested persons—to determine whether our submission meets the regulatory requirements. This decision, along with other permits and approvals, are needed before construction can commence.
For Marten Falls members, the Community Access Road means freedom—the ability to travel safely and easily, to visit family without barriers and to access opportunities that were once out of reach. It means a future where isolation no longer defines us, and where our youth can look forward to education, careers and a life full of possibilities.
The importance of the Community Access Road to Marten Falls First Nation members cannot be overstated. For too long, our community has faced challenges that threaten our well-being—housing shortages, boil water advisories, mental health crises, reduced opportunities for our youth, and the staggering cost of food and supplies. These hardships have inspired us to take action and create change. Year-round access will ensure dependable routes to healthcare, education and social services, giving our members the support they need and deserve.
Beyond meeting essential needs, the Community Access Road will open doors to economic growth. It will lower freight costs, attract investment, and create jobs that respect our traditions and values. It will help lift families out of poverty and foster sustainable development for generations to come.
The Community Access Road is more than infrastructure; it is a symbol of resilience and hope. It stands as a testament to our determination to overcome barriers and build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. For Marten Falls members, this road means new possibilities—access to economic development that can create collective partnerships in the region, bring jobs and prosperity, reliable routes for healthy foods and food security, and improved access to social programs and services that support our families. The Community Access Road represents the promise of a community where every member can thrive, where traditions are honored, and where the next generation can look forward to a life filled with opportunity. We invite all First Nations and the public to recognize the profound importance of this project and to support its timely completion.
Our community looks forward to continuing this conversation with you as we take the next steps through the Assessment Process. Thank you for your support and dedication to this initiative—you’ve helped bring us closer to realizing our dream of a strong, connected and prosperous future for Marten Falls First Nation.
Respectfully,
Chief Bruce Achneepineskum
Marten Falls First Nation
Questions?
Contact us if you have any questions about the Project or the Assessment Process.
Contact the Community Access Road Team directly at
eaisinput@martenfallsaccessroad.ca
If you require a Marten Falls First Nation Community Access Road Final Environmental Assessment/Impact Statement document in an alternate format or are in need of communications support, please submit a request by calling our telephone numbers below:
- 1-800-764-9114 Toll-Free Number
Once your request is received, our team will contact you to provide you with additional information on when you can expect a response, based on the document and format you are requesting.
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