The challenge with Northern Ontario, of course, is geography. Low population densities, bitter winter conditions and the Canadian Shield create substantial barriers to access and development. It’s nothing we haven’t overcome. The people who first built the railways and then the Trans-Canada Highway conquered the north’s many rocks, lakes, ponds and bogs.

Northern Ontario continues to face the fundamental challenge of how to move people and resources to and from its vast, remote areas. Our Top 10 list includes a critical prerequisite transportation project that will provide year-round access.