NIPIGON -- Two new economic developments in the Nipigon-Red Rock area were steered back on track on Wednesday.
The Township of Nipigon and the Red Rock Indian Band signed a memorandum of understanding to re-initiate the development of two projects.
Twenty-two acres of municipal land will be transformed into federal land and officially belong to the Lake Helen Reserve, which intends to use it as a cultural centre, and a hub for local entrepreneurs.
In exchange, the band donated $175,000 to help fund a senior housing project in Nipigon.
Both developments have been in the works for 10 years. The Township of Nipigon and the Red Rock Indian Band first signed an MOU in 2010, but “obligations to the Constitution” slowed down the process according to Nipigon Mayor Richard Harvey.
“Today we’re taking from that original start, and reaffirming that commitment,” said Harvey. “This is a partnership that needs to continue into the future.”
The land acquired by Red Rock Indina Band includes the Chalet Lodge, a former railway camp that overlooks Lake Nipigon. The band purchased the site back in 2008, and filed for an Addition to Reserve proposal through the federal government.
Edward Wawia, chief of Red Rock Indian Band, was told that the process to grant status would take 18 to 24 months. Instead, it has taken ten years.
“Our people expected to have this up and operating and our people working,” said Wawia. “Maybe one good thing that may come out of this is that the government will see how slow their process is.”
Despite the fact the property was considered vacant, the band still used the lodge for minor events such as a fish derby, and made renovations to six small cabins adjacent to the lodge.
The new agreement will help eliminate restrictions on how the band chooses to develop the site.
“The First Nations could, and should, be working together with local municipalities because we all have the same interests,” added Wawia. “We’re looking for economic development and work for our people.”
On the other side of the spectrum, the senior housing project will address a concern that has become increasingly more problematic in Nipigon in recent years.
According to Nipigon Coun. James Foulds, four to 12 people have been waiting to get into Sjolander Court, a senior’s apartment located on Bell Street, for a number of years.
“We’ve been working on adding a housing component within Nipigon for the last 10 years,” Foulds said. “This is how long it’s taken to get to this development.”
Despite the tenuous history, Harvey hopes the future will foster economic development and a sense of integrated community.
“It’s our desire to see this grow into something more.”
