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2013 Communities of Opportunity: West Nipissing

The Municipality of West Nipissing is thriving. Located on Highway 17 between Sudbury and North Bay , the municipality of 14,500 is one of the few communities in Northern Ontario that has witnessed a growth in population, growing 5.
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West Nipissing

The Municipality of West Nipissing is thriving.

Located on Highway 17 between Sudbury and North Bay, the municipality of 14,500 is one of the few communities in Northern Ontario that has witnessed a growth in population, growing 5.5 per cent since its last census.

“There's a lot of people that reside in this community,” said Stephan Poulin, director of economic development. “We certainly do look at ourselves as a successful bedroom community.”

A $10-million community waterfront park opened earlier this year.

A waterfront building was constructed alongside the municipal marina which houses a Twiggs Coffee Roasters, and a soon-to-be-built radio station for Le Loup FM.

The project also includes an outdoor amphitheatre and a kids' water park.

“This has been something we've been working on for years now,” said Poulin. “They had to rebuild the entire marina facility.”

On the industrial side, the municipality was able to attract Jennmarr, a mining equipment and service company, several years ago. The company is doing very well, said Poulin, and is currently expanding and hiring more staff. Goulard Lumber is also still operating and doing well.

“Small businesses play a big part in employment here,” said Poulin. “Forestry is a big part of our economy.”

With more than 100 acres of land at its unserviced industrial park, the municipality has sold three five- acre parcels and has more than 80 still available.

At the former Sysco warehousing facility, the owner has now put the fully-serviced building on the market. “I think it's a very good buy for an industrial site,” said Poulin. “It's got some very good potential and could be had for a very good price.”

Also, a second Tim Hortons recently opened in town as well as an A&W restaurant.

www.westnipissingouest.ca