Webequie First Nation Supply Road: Terrain Analysis and Routing for the First Indigenous-Led Environmental Assessment in Ontario

ABSTRACT: Webequie First Nation, located approximately 500 km north of Thunder Bay, Ontario, is developing an all-season road between the community of Webequie and a proposed Ring of Fire mining development around Esker Camp near the Mukutei River, approximately 110 km to the east. The Webequie First Nation Supply Road (WSR) project is the first Indigenous-led environmental assessment in Ontario. Once completed, the WSR will offer year-round movement between the community and the future mine site and will facilitate economic opportunities for the community. This paper presents a description of the terrain analysis and mapping within the proposed route corridor, along with potential aggregate sources and stream crossings, that will guide the identification of an optimal route based on terrain and engineering considerations.