Webequie First Nation’s airstrip is going under the microscope with federal money arriving to conduct a redevelopment plan.
On May 20, FedNor Minister Greg Rickford announced a $1.36 million grant is going to the remote community for an airport plan to evaluate commercial options, conduct an engineering scoping study for the airport lands, and ultimately evaluate the potential for a business park.
Webequie is located in the James Bay lowlands, 540 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.
The government said Webequie is ideally located for fuel supply services, warehousing, accommodations and commercial/administrative office space for remote mining in the Far North.
Meanwhile, Kasabonika Lake First Nation received a $151,000 FedNor grant to write up a five-year economic and business plan for the community’s natural resources business entities and its development corporation.
The community strategy and business plan were identified as a local priority and will help Kasabonika participate in future opportunities in forestry, power generation and mining.
Kasabonika Lake First Nation is located 448 kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout.
“This project will help our community develop a cohesive planning approach that will prepare us to benefit from emerging business opportunities,” said Chief Eno Anderson in a statement.
