It has been a long wait but construction has finally begun on the Freedom Road.
The all-weather road will connect the community of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation to the mainland.
Kenora MP Bob Nault says not having access to a connecting road has caused undue hardship, including the fact that the community has been on a boil water advisory for decades.
He adds the road will greatly increase community safety and mobility and it will also unlock economic opportunities because of the ease of getting on and off the reserve.
Last year the federal government announced a $20-million commitment towards the construction with the Province of Manitoba and city of Winnipeg each contributing another $10-million.
The deal also ensures residents of the community are employed in the construction project.