KENORA – Ontario’s Government is supporting the construction of the Economic Development Centre of Excellence by the Ochiichagwe’Babigo’Ining Ojibway Nation in Dalles.
Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, has announced investments totalling $1.5 million. The investment includes a $1 million Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation investment in addition to $500,000 already invested through the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs’ Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program.
“The new centre will create jobs and support the future economic development of the Ochiichagwe’Babigo’Ining Ojibway Nation and Treaty 3 community members. It will become a hub offering education opportunities, while supporting local businesses and community members in the Kenora area with event and meeting space,” said Minister Rickford who is also the MPP for the Kenora Riding.
“Our Community Vision from 2010 identified the need for economic development and we are proud to see the centre being built after all this time,” said Chief Lorraine Cobiness. “The centre will support our capacity for economic development, education and the development of partnerships. We look forward to offering more training opportunities, and space for meetings and business development right here in Ochiichagwe’Babigo’Ining Ojibway Nation,” said Chief Lorraine Cobiness.
With more than 5,000 square feet, the new centre will have office space available for lease to local businesses, an economic development training centre, an adult training centre and a conference centre. The project will also create two full-time teaching jobs.
