CIB funds infrastructure construction in First Nations community
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has agreed to lend $7.9 million to help an Ontario First Nation community build critical infrastructure.
The bank announced on January 26 that it had entered into the agreement with Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (formerly Pic Mobert First Nation).
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.
“Water, electricity and internet are essential to supporting long-term community and economic growth,” said CIB CEO Ehren Cory. “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.”
Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg is an Ojibwe First Nation of more than 1,000 members located in northern Ontario, approximately 55 kilometres east of Marathon, along the eastern shores of White Lake. As a result of limited developable land and lack of existing high-quality housing, only 32 percent of its membership live on-reserve.
In 2021, Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg added over 1,000 hectares of land to its nearby Pic Mobert North reserve, on which this project will be situated. Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg has already completed a land use plan for the newly added lands, which includes the new mixed commercial and residential subdivision.
To-date, 10 homes are under construction, with early watermain and road works underway.
“For many years, my community's growth and development was frustrated due to a lack of land. The recent expansion of our reserve land base provides a long overdue opportunity to proceed with urgently needed community housing and other community and economic development projects,” said Chief Louis Kwissiwa. “The investment from the CIB was essential to completing the financing for this project, that includes community equity and funding from various other community partners. Our experience with the CIB was an extremely positive one and they are clearly committed to the growth and development of Indigenous communities.
Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg and its business development corporation, White Lake Limited Partnership, are responsible for procurement, construction project management and will provide local employment and training opportunities.
The project is expected to result in approximately 25 construction jobs, and should be completed by the end of this year.
The CIB's investment helps address an economic and structural lending gap by enabling Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg to access flexible and affordable financing to grow and strengthen their community.
With mining and forestry projects underway in the region, the investment will ensure Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg has the infrastructure necessary to attract more off-reserve Nation members to the community.
The CIB has a commitment to invest $35 billion over the long-term across its priority sectors, with a minimum investment target of $1 billion in partnership with and for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples.
Through its Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative, the bank is investing in community-based projects which provide a service or a direct benefit to an Indigenous community or communities to help close infrastructure gaps.