MARTEN FALLS FIRST NATION, ONT. — Marten Falls First Nation has announced it has selected Hatch to act as its engineering and project management partner to help support the design and delivery of the Marten Falls Community Access Road.
The two also signed a memorandum of understanding in relation to the multi‑purpose infrastructure project that will provide year‑round access to the community for the first time.
The proposed road will extend approximately 184 kilometres from the northern end of the Painter Lake forestry road to the Marten Falls First Nation community, connecting the community to Ontario’s provincial highway network, explains a release.
The Marten Falls Community Access Road is located approximately 400 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, which is currently only accessible by air, with winter roads available seasonally.
Hatch and Marten Falls First Nation will work together to support broader community infrastructure needs that enable long‑term well‑being, such as power and other essential services, alongside transportation, the release adds.
Hatch will also provide advisory support to help Marten Falls First Nation plan for long‑term operations and community benefits, including assessing operational needs, workforce requirements, and training pathways.
Earlier this month, Marten Falls First Nation and Bird Construction entered into a strategic alliance through the formation of Piinahzii Limited Partnership. The partnership intends to pursue community infrastructure opportunities that support both near-term needs and longer-term development objectives.
Also, in March, the Province of Ontario and Marten Falls First Nation also formalized a new economic partnership aimed at enabling advanced exploration activities in the region.
