Canada Infrastructure Bank invests nearly $8M in Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg infrastructure

A multi-million-dollar agreement has been finalized between Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg and the Canada Infrastructure Bank. 

The agreement will see the infrastructure bank lend $7.9 million to the First Nation for critical infrastructure and required residential development that both parties agree will improve living standards on reserve. 

Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg is an Ojibwe First Nation of more than 1,000 members, and as a result of limited develop-able land and lack of existing high-quality housing, only 32 per cent of its membership live on-reserve. 

Chief Louis Kwissiwa said this agreement, coupled with the recent expansion of over 1,000 hectares to the reserve land base, provides a long overdue opportunity to proceed with urgently needed community housing and other community and economic development projects. 

"People are really excited because the lack of housing, the lack of land to build housing, it's always been frustrating because without adequate housing, without enough housing, it plays a toll on people's mental health,” he said. 

“You need adequate housing, you need enough housing so people have adequate living spaces so they can feel good in the morning, and they can go to work, and they can go to school, they can do everything they need to do, so, people are really happy.” 

The financing enables the construction of approximately one kilometre of new road, the extension of water services tied into the existing water treatment system, the extension of existing fixed wireless broadband and the electrification of 55 new building lots.  

The fully serviced building lots will accommodate multi-family affordable and social housing, market and staff housing and commercial use for the benefit of community members living on-reserve. 

“The market's not really there on the First Nation. You need a lot of people for sustainable business, other than impact benefit agreements or taking businesses to the city,” said Chief Kwissisa. 

“Our new addition to reserve, which is located on the highway, in conjunction with the CIB relationship we have here, we're able to build the businesses out on the highway, so that's our target goal where we want to open up a gas station.” 

Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg has already completed a land use plan for the newly added lands, which includes the new mixed commercial and residential subdivision. 

Infrastructure bank officials said that with mining and forestry projects underway in the region, this investment will ensure Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg has the infrastructure necessary to attract more off-reserve Nation members to the community. 

“Water, electricity and internet are essential to supporting long-term community and economic growth,” said Ehren Cory, the CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank. 

“Through our $7.9 million partnership with Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, we can ensure this critical infrastructure is prioritized to accommodate more community services, businesses and residences.”