Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN) Community Access Road
Spring E-Blast 2026
Current and upcoming activities
We want to share the latest updates and progress on the Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN) Community Access Road. This March 2026 E-blast provides updates on current and upcoming activities, featuring information on the:
- Message from Chief Bruce Achneepineskum
- Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Assessment
- View Feedback Received on the Draft Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement
- New Video: Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Assessment
- Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Assessment Translations and Plain Language Summaries
- The 2026 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Conference
- April 2026 Field Notice - Clearing and Maintenance
- Get in Touch!
Message from Chief Bruce Achneepineskum
The Community Access Road is more than infrastructure; it is a symbol of resilience and hope. It stands as a testament to our determination to overcome barriers and build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. For Marten Falls members, this road means new possibilities—access to economic development that can: create collective partnerships in the region; bring jobs and prosperity, and provide reliable routes for healthy foods and food security, and improved access to social programs and services that support our families. The Community Access Road represents the promise of a community where every member can thrive, where traditions are honored, and where the next generation can look forward to a life filled with opportunity. We invite all First Nations and the public to recognize the profound importance of this project and support its timely completion.
Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Assessment and Review Period
The Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement was released on February 20, 2026. Anyone wishing to provide comments on the Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement must submit them by April 10, 2026. The Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement is available on the Community Access Road website.
In-Person Viewing Locations for the Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement:
- Greenstone Public Library – Geraldton Branch: 405 2nd Street W., Geraldton
- Greenstone Public Library – Longlac Branch: 110 Kenogami Drive, Longlac
- Sioux Lookout Public Library – 21 Fifth Avenue, Sioux Lookout
- Matawa First Nations Management – 233 S. Court Street, 2nd Floor, Thunder Bay
- Timmins Public Library – 320 2nd Avenue, Timmins
Submit your comments on the Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement to:
Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
Environmental Assessment Branch 135 St. Clair Avenue West, 1st Floor Toronto, Ontario M4V 1P5
Attention: Dorothy Moszynski, Special Project Officer, and Simon Zhao, Special Project Officer
Tel: 437-247-9628, 437-248-0058
Email: dorothy.moszynski@ontario.ca, simon.zhao@ontario.ca
View Feedback on the Draft Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement
We received over 1900 comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement! You can read the complete list of comments, including the responses at the link below:
New Video: Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Assessment
Watch our Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement video. Learn how the Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement was developed, what key information it includes, the topics highlighted in the Assessment Summary, and how to provide feedback during the review process.
Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Assessment Translations and Plain Language Summaries
Plain Language Summaries that provide an overview of the technical reports in the Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement are available in five languages: English, French, Cree, Oji-Cree, and Ojibway.
Plain Language Summaries are available on the following topics:
- Aboriginal and / or Treaty Rights and Interests;
- Acoustics (Noise and Vibration), Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases;
- Archaeology and Cultural Heritage;
- Climate Change Adaptation;
- Community Well-Being;
- Fish and Fish Habitat;
- Groundwater and Surface Water;
- Land and Resource Use and Visual Environment;
- Peatlands;
- Physiography, Terrain and Soils, and Vegetation;
- Ungulates; and
- Wildlife and Birds.
The 2026 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Conference
The Marten Falls First Nation Community Access Road Project Team attended the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference on March 1 and 2, 2026, to discuss the Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement. During this time, a press conference was held with Chief Bruce Achneepineskum, a Senior Community Member Advisor, and representatives from the Government of Ontario. It was noted that the Marten Falls Community Access Road, pending approval of the Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement, is scheduled to begin construction in August 2026 and open by November 2031, four years ahead of schedule.
April 2026 Clearing and Maintenance Field Notice
To support activities related to the continued planning and design of the Marten Falls First Nation Community Access Road, field crews will carry out vegetation clearing and site maintenance activities within the study area. This work is to support aggregate sampling, water monitoring, and investigations at water crossing sites –or bridges– for the Community Access Road.
The work is expected to take place in April, pending approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources. An update will be provided once the work is approved and dates are confirmed.
Get in Touch!
We are on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram! Follow us to stay up to date on the Community Access Road.
Please contact us at any time with questions or comments, or to schedule a meeting. Meetings can be arranged in-person in any community, in the Thunder Bay area, or online. We want to hear what you have to say!
Questions or comments? Contact us at 1-800-764-9114 or info@martenfallsaccessroad.ca.
