Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government recently announced $8.3 million for 18 different initiatives led by Indigenous communities and organizations across Northern Ontario. These investments are provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), and Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario (CIINO).
These projects include infrastructure development and expansion, critical studies and plans, as well as initiatives that will strengthen supply chains and cooperation between Indigenous communities while expanding Indigenous community and workforce engagement in natural resource development industries.Projects include:
Independent First Nations Alliance – $4 million to build aerospace infrastructure including hangars and other structures in remote First Nation communities. This project will enable academic and private partners to test drone battery technology performance in cold weather environments and will support emergency operations and training activities including drone piloting.
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute – $450,000 to support the Going Mobile: A Responsive, Accessible Model for Job Creation and Retention in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation pilot project. The project will support trades, apprenticeships, and skills development in First Nation communities, as well as on-site with industry partners.
Mishkeegogamang Ojibway First Nation – $364,500 to develop engineering and architectural plans for the Missabay Business Park and General Store.
North Caribou Lake First Nation – $250,000 to develop and complete a feasibility study for a multi-use facility in the community.
Eagle Lake First Nation – $153,455 to develop a feasibility study and business plan for three key activities: solar energy production, commercial greenhouse operations, and tourism facility development.
Pic Mobert First Nation – $124,833 to complete engineering, design, and project management for a new industrial and/or commercial development zone in the community.
Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation – $124,500 to develop an eight-hectare parcel of waterfront land on Lake of the Woods known as “the Devil’s Gap.”
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek – $104,089 to develop a feasibility study for the establishment of an aggregate pit/quarry business.
Keewaytinook Okimakanak – $93,750 to create a broadband and cellular infrastructure study and implementation plan.
Aroland First Nation – $85,000 to develop and complete a feasibility study for a multi-use facility in the community.