OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 31, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature issued the decision statement for the Marten Falls Community Access Road Project in Ontario, determining that the potential effects within federal jurisdiction are justified when taking into account the benefits this project will provide. This decision followed an impact assessment conducted by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and was based on scientific evidence, Indigenous Knowledge and public and Indigenous consultation.
The project, an all-season multi-use community access road connecting the northern end of Painter Lake forestry road to the community of Marten Falls in northern Ontario, is expected to address persistent connectivity challenges faced by Marten Falls First Nation and other remote Indigenous communities and offer economic opportunities.
The federal government is committed to ensuring proposals like this move forward sustainably while protecting the environment and Indigenous rights. A total of 17 Indigenous groups participated in the impact assessment process. Crown consultations with these communities resulted in mitigation measures and follow-up requirements to address adverse effects on Indigenous Peoples as well as potential impacts to rights recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
The decision statement issued today establishes legally binding conditions the proponent must comply with throughout the project's life to reduce adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, including effects on Indigenous Peoples who live in and use the area, as well as the local environment and species.
The project assessment benefited greatly from the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge and the participation of Indigenous communities in northern Ontario, as well as from public engagement and the expert information provided by federal authorities and provincial ministries, including through the coordinated assessment between IAAC and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. The proponent is still required to obtain any necessary authorizations and permits.
Quote
"The Marten Falls Community Access Road Project demonstrates how collaboration with Indigenous communities and the provincial government can improve year-round access, support economic development, and create new opportunities for future generations. The project highlights the importance of working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to advance infrastructure priorities in a way that respects Indigenous rights and protects the environment."
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
Quick Facts
IAAC worked closely with Ontario's Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to coordinate the federal and provincial assessment processes. In addition, scientific and technical expertise during the assessment was provided by Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Transport Canada, and Women and Gender Equality Canada.
Associated Links
- Marten Falls Community Access Road Project (Impact Assessment Agency of Canada)
- Minister's impact assessment decision statement (Impact Assessment Agency of Canada)
- Impact Assessment Report (Impact Assessment Agency of Canada)
- Co-operation Agreement between Ontario and Canada on Environmental and Impact Assessment
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SOURCE Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Contacts: Keean Nembhard, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, 343-552-2387, [email protected]; Media Relations, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, [email protected]
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