MARATHON — The dream of turning Peninsula Harbour into a strategic shipping and receiving port on the north shore of Lake Superior is a big step closer to reality.
The Nawiinginokiima Forest Management Corporation, the Sustainable Forest Licence-holder for the Pic and White River forest management units, is making a $1 million contribution to the ongoing development of the Peninsula Harbour Port.
In a joint announcement Monday, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation and the Town of Marathon said the funding will support foundational work as the two communities continue their joint effort to re-establish the harbour as a modern, functional transportation hub.
"We feel the port can be a critical asset for the forest industry, giving access to worldwide customers," said NFMC board chair Laird Van Damme. "Partnering with the communities of Marathon and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg on this project is a great way to showcase how NFMC can assist the forest sector to prosper while providing economic development opportunities for our local communities."
Organizers have said the facility, to be constructed on the site Marathon Pulp's former mill, will be the only commercial port between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. However, there is also a plan to develop a port facility at Red Rock.
The Peninsula Harbour operation would be governed by a four-member port authority comprised of two representatives each from the town and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg.
The port would be able to handle cargo vessels as well as cruise ships.
In a prepared statement, the leadership of the First Nation noted the project is part of a broader vision to re-engage with the waterfront in a way that's economically viable, environmentally conscious, and reflective of the community's ancient and ongoing connection to the land.
Marathon Mayor Rick Dumas said the support from the forest management corporation reinforces the high level of cooperation between the two communities.
"Our partnership is built on mutual respect and long-term thinking, and this projects reflects a deliberate and strategic approach to land use and infrastructure development," he said.
Dumas told Newswatch the harbour requires dredging before it can accommodate large vessels because a lot of silt has accumulated since the last ship was in port about two decades ago.
He hopes that can happen next year, and that the port can be operational by 2027.
The project still requires investments from the federal and provincial governments, possibly through FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
"We, obviously, as a municipality and as a First Nation can't afford to go and spend $3 million to $5 million. And as we've heard from both the governments, these are very important assets...So here we are with this great deep-sea port availability. We just need to get through the process of permitting and dredging. Sometimes it's like pulling teeth, but hopefully everything will fall in place in a timely manner."