Ontario Supporting Business Park Development in Nipissing First Nation

Posted on April 28, 2023

NORTH BAY – The Ontario government is providing $1 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to Nipissing First Nation to develop Bineshii Business Park along Highway 17 in Yellek. This investment will help create employment, meet local demand for commercial lots, and foster economic development in the North Bay region.

“Our government is creating jobs and increasing economic development on Nipissing First Nation,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “By supporting the construction of the Bineshii Business Park, we are letting people know that Northern Ontario is open for business.”

Nipissing First Nation has completed the business plan and design of Bineshii Business Park. The park is a total of 76 acres, divided into commercial and light industrial lots. NOHFC funding will be used for land clearing, new road construction, widening the existing road, street illumination, storm water management, fire protection services, and installation of electricity, natural gas and telecommunications.

“Nipissing First Nation is grateful for the funding provided by the NOHFC, which will enable us to install critical infrastructure in the Bineshii Business Park and open new lots for development,” said Chief Scott McLeod, Nipissing First Nation. “With its prime location on Highway 17, near the City of North Bay, the Bineshii Business Park is an ideal site for businesses to grow and expand. We are excited about the economic development and capacity building opportunities this project presents for our nation, our businesses, and our citizens through the creation of new jobs in various sectors.”

“Our government understands the unique needs of Northern Ontario communities, and is proud to support Nipissing First Nation,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “Bineshii Business Park promotes opportunities for economic and community development, and improves quality of life in Indigenous and northern communities.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $639 million in 5,265 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 8,420 jobs.

Quick Fact

• The Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office -- 416-450-1309 -- erika.robson@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch -- mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca