The Route 167 Extension is the $332 million road development project designed to connect the communities of Chibougamau and Mistissini to the Renard Diamond Project by way of a number of other prospective mining projects as well as the new Albanel-Temiscamie-Otish Park (see map).

On February 3rd, 2012 Stornoway announced that work on the road had commenced.  The extension is being constructed as a 243 km-long, 70 km/hour two lane, all-season gravel-top, multi-service provincial highway by the Quebec Ministry of Transportation under the auspices of the “Plan Nord”.

The release of the Certificate of Authorization by Québec was announced on December 7, 2011 following successful public hearings  held by the COMEX on August 30th and 31st, 2011 in the communities of Mistissini and Chibougamau. Based on the proposed schedule, Stornoway anticipates first vehicle access to the Renard site for mine construction mobilization by mid-2013.

On August 1, 2011 Stornoway announced the signing of two financing agreements with the Government of Quebec by which Stornoway will contribute to the construction and maintenance costs of the new road. Stornoway will contribute $44 million to its development, to be paid annually over a ten year period, starting in July 2015. Stornoway’s contribution will be financed by Québec at 6.3% and will be conditional upon, amongst other things, the completion of the road on schedule, the receipt of all regulatory approvals for the construction of the Renard Diamond Project and the successful completion of Renard Diamond Project financing.  In addition, Stornoway has agreed to contribute a maximum of $5,000 per kilometer, or $1.215 million per year, to the maintenance of the road during Renard operation. Other partners may also be called upon to contribute to the financing and maintenance of this infrastructure.

Year round road access to the Project will lower costs, reduce operating risk, and allow for the development of lower grade ore for eventual mine life extension.  It will also make Renard the only diamond mine in Canada you can drive to year round. 

 
The Plan Nord

The Plan Nord is Quebec Premier, Jean Charest’s plan for the development of Québec's territory north of the 49th parallel. The area included in the Plan accounts for 72% of the province of Québec, nearly 1.2 million square kilometres and would involve $80-billion in public and private investment over the next 25 years.  It was officially launched on May 9, 2011.

The Plan Nord takes a sustainable approach to energy, mining, forestry, biofood, tourism, transportation and wildlife development, as well as environmental protection and biodiversity conservation as well as support for the social development.
 
In the first five years the plan provides for infrastructure investment of $1.193 billion between 2011 and 2016. Included in that amount is $332 million for the Route 167 Extension referred to above.  An additional element of the Plan Nord will see the Government of Quebec, through Investissement Québec making additional equity investments in Plan Nord related projects (like Renard) with an eye for profitability.

 For more information on the Plan Nord visit the website: http://plannord.gouv.qc.ca/english

Recent Press Releases