Ontario Construction News staff writer
Bird Construction Inc. has expanded its partnership with Marten Falls First Nation to include construction of the Marten Falls Community Access Road, a major infrastructure project in Northern Ontario.
Bird announced that Piinahzii Limited Partnership, a majority Indigenous-owned partnership formed by Marten Falls First Nation and Bird earlier this year, has signed an agreement expanding the partnership’s scope.
The agreement initially focused on community infrastructure and readiness work and now includes construction of the approximately 184-kilometre community access road.
“This is an important step forward for Piinahzii and reflects the strength of the partnership we continue to build with Marten Falls First Nation,” Bird president and CEO Teri McKibbon said in a statement.
“The Community Access Road is a significant community-led project, and we are pleased to bring Bird’s infrastructure experience together with the leadership, knowledge and priorities of Marten Falls.”
The announcement follows the Province of Ontario’s recent groundbreaking for the project, which is being advanced as part of a broader 514-kilometre all-season road network intended to improve access to the Ring of Fire region.
The Marten Falls Community Access Road will provide the First Nation with year-round access to health care, education, essential services and economic opportunities. The project includes approximately 35 bridge and culvert structures.
The road is the longest segment of the proposed all-season network.
Piinahzii LP will build on an existing framework for Marten Falls First Nation and Bird to jointly pursue and execute infrastructure projects within the community and the First Nation’s traditional territory.
The partnership is also intended to create employment, training and contracting opportunities for community members and Indigenous businesses.
McKibbon said the partnership’s focus will be on safe and responsible construction while creating opportunities for community members and Indigenous businesses throughout the project.
The road is part of Ontario’s broader plans to improve transportation infrastructure in the Far North and support development around the Ring of Fire, a mineral-rich region in northern Ontario.
