Federal impact assessment of the Marten Falls Community Access Road Project complete

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.

August 31, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

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 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.