After more than two decades of planning, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek is celebrating the grand opening of the Chi-Zhiingwaak Business Park, marking an important milestone in the community’s economic development journey.
Located near Highway 55 and the Highway 17 bypass, the business park has been part of the First Nation’s plans since 2001, when the land was first identified for commercial development. The goal has always been to create a place where businesses can grow, new jobs can be created and long-term economic opportunities can take root within the community.
The newly completed development includes 18 fully serviced commercial and light industrial lots, with access to fibre internet, sewage and waste disposal services. The park is open to both Indigenous and non – Indigenous businesses, creating opportunities for investment while strengthening connections with the wider regional economy.
A Milestone Years in the Making
Monday’s grand opening brought together community members, leadership, businesses, project partners and funding organizations to celebrate the completion of a project that has been more than 20 years in the making.
For Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Giyak Mishkawzid Shkagmikwe, the opening represents much more than new roads, services and commercial lots. It represents a long-held vision for creating more opportunities within the Nation.
A GMS representative described the project as a dream carried by community members and leaders for more than 25 years, adding that the business park will help existing businesses expand, create meaningful employment and build opportunities for future generations.
Support From Key Partners
The project became possible through funding and support from several organizations, including FedNor, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, Indigenous Services Canada and TD Bank.
Their contributions helped turn years of planning into a completed development and demonstrated the importance of partnerships in supporting Indigenous economic growth.
Following the ribbon-cutting and speeches, guests had the opportunity to tour the business park and see the completed infrastructure firsthand. The walk-through also gave attendees a closer look at the potential the new development offers for businesses and the surrounding region.
Looking Toward the Future
The Chi-Zhiingwaak Business Park is expected to provide room for existing Atikameksheng-owned businesses to expand while also attracting new businesses and investment to the community.
Beyond the individual businesses that may eventually call the park home, the development has the potential to create full- and part-time employment, encourage collaboration and support entrepreneurship for years to come.
For Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, the grand opening is not simply the end of a long construction project. It is the beginning of a new chapter focused on economic opportunity, employment and building a stronger future for the community and the generations that follow.
