A series of open houses are being held for anyone interested in the proposed Northern Link Road.

They will be in both virtual and in-person formats, hosted by Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations in Thunder Bay.

The Northern Link Road is a 120 kilometre all-season road in a remote area of northern Ontario, that has the potential to become a critical transportation linkage and support for remote First Nations.

Stephanie Ash is the Communications Officer for the project and explains what phase they are currently in.

“We issued a notice of commencement for the terms of reference in May of 2021,” explains Ash. “So what that means is that we’re developing the plan for the EA process, and part of that process is of course consultation and engagement with stakeholders around the region, across the province, and across the country.”

Various factors still need to be considered including the environmental impacts.

Ash goes on to explain that consultation is a massive factor for projects such as this.

“It’s such an essential part of developing a project, a major infrastructure project like the Northern Road Link,” says Ash. “We want to make sure we’re hearing from diverse people, diverse communities, people who of course use the land for traditional practices. People who live, work, and do business in the north and around the region. Consultation and engagement is so critical to the communities.”

It is still too early in the design process to estimate a final cost for the project.

The open house is taking place Sept. 14 and 15 at the Delta Hotel.