Ontario Construction News staff writer
Highway 17 between Kenora and the Manitoba border will be widened and twinned after Ontario signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Niiwin Wendaanimok, a partnership of four First Nations with interests in the project area.
Widening Highway 17 will reduce travel times through highway corridors, critical trade links and international gateways, while promoting economic development and safety.
Under the guidance of Elders from the four First Nations, Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, and Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Indigenous Affairs participated in a Manito Aki Inakonigaawin (Great Earth Law) ceremony with Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Chief Marilyn Sinclair, Washagamis Bay First Nation; Councillor Billy Wahpay, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation designate; Chief Chris Skead, Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation; and Chief Lorraine Cobiness, Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation.
“From time immemorial, resource-sharing in our territory has been guided by Manito Aki Inakonigaawin – our Great Earth Law,” said Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation Chief Chris Skead.
“When we follow this path and its protocols, wise, fair and sustainable decisions are made for both the land and the people …for all the people who share these lands. Our collaboration with MTO is already showing the practical effectiveness of harmonizing Anishinaabe and western ways.”
This MOU will guide the partnership and engagement processes for the project in the spirit of co-operation and collaboration.
“The signing of today’s agreement with Niiwin Wendaanimok is a key milestone for this important project,” said Minister Mulroney. “We are committed to maintaining a long-term working relationship with Indigenous communities in the Kenora area to ensure the successful completion of the project. We have a shared goal to create meaningful economic opportunities for local Indigenous communities and build better transportation in Northern Ontario.”
The Niiwin Wendaanimok (Four Winds) Group is a partnership among the governments of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, Washagamis Bay First Nation, Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation and Niisaachewan Anishinaabe First Nation.
Ontario is also engaged with Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent First Nation on the project and with the Métis Nation of Ontario and the public as part of the planning process for this project.
The twinning/widening of Highway 17 between Manitoba/Ontario border and Kenora will be carried out through three sections: Manitoba/Ontario border to Highway 673 (6.5 km); Highway 673 to Rush Bay Road (8.5 km); Rush Bay Road to Highway 17A (25 km).
“We are one step closer to twinning Highway 17 and improving road safety for the people of Kenora-Rainy River,” said Minister Rickford. “Twinning Highway 17 is a top priority for our government and I am proud to announce that significant progress is being made. Today’s signing ceremony with the Four Winds Group marks an important milestone in the project, and we have a clear path forward to completion.”
Highway 17 is a strategic link in the Trans-Canada Highway system. There is no alternate route when there are collisions or road closures. Closures can significantly affect local, regional and national economic interests. Approximately 5,000 to 7,500 vehicles travel each day on Highway 17 between the Manitoba border and Highway 673.
“Everyone wants good, safe roads but, in the past, Ontario’s roads and highways have damaged our resources, our sacred places and marginalized our people,” said Councillor Billy Wahpay, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.
“We’re hopeful that the path of partnership that we’re committing to walk with Ontario will, in fact, lead us to the Minister’s promise of meaningful economic opportunities for our people. We know that, given the chance, we have a lot to contribute.”