Good Roads has launched a new online school to provide infrastructure training to northern municipalities and First Nations.
The Northern Road School comprises a suite of online courses aimed at making professional development training accessible to those in the North's rural and remote regions.
"This initiative demonstrates our commitment to equitable development across Ontario," Cheryl Fort, Good Roads' president, said in a news release.
"By bringing tailored, online training directly to northern communities, we empower local workforces, foster self-sufficiency, and ensure safer, more resilient roads for everyone, regardless of location.”
The program includes four specialized courses:
- T.J. Mahony Road School – Maintenance Section focuses on best practices for municipal road maintenance, including surface defects, drainage, roadside upkeep, and understanding Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS), legal, and environmental regulations.
- T.J. Mahony Road School – Construction Section covers road construction basics, including designing roads for Ontario's climate, material techniques, and critical aspects of contracts and legal responsibilities.
- Signs and Lines provides practical experience with Ontario Traffic Manuals (OTM) 5, 6, & 11, teaching how signs and lines assist drivers and best practices to minimize risk and defend municipalities in insurance claims.
- Effective Management prepares individuals for management roles, covering fundamentals of management, communication, emotional intelligence, performance management, and conflict resolution.
Good Roads said the programming is designed to be flexible and accessible for users, eliminating costly and time-consuming travel.
“Courses are tailored to meet the specific needs of northern municipalities, ensuring content addresses their unique environmental conditions and operational contexts,” the organization said.
“The self-paced format with 24/7 access accommodates diverse work schedules while minimizing disruption to essential local services.”
In operation since 1894, Good Roads is a municipal association concerned with the advancement of roads and other infrastructure in Ontario. It was formerly known as the Ontario Good Roads Association.
