NETMIZAAGGAMIG NISHNAABEG — Travellers along the Highway 17 North Shore corridor have a new option for where they can fill up.
The White Lake Limited Partnership, the economic development corporation of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (also known as Pic Mobert First Nation), officially opened its latest venture, Johnny K’s Gas and Convenience Store, on Aug. 29 along the Trans-Canada Highway. Between Marathon and White River, it sits next to Netmizaaggamig’s powwow grounds.
Crystal Finlayson Pirie, White Lake’s chief executive officer, said when additional highway-side reserve lands were added to Netmizaaggamig several years ago, the community’s chief and council made it a priority to use them for such a project. She said the corporation is always looking at ways to diversify its interests.
“It's allowed the partnership to continue on one of its mandates in terms of having a diverse resource source,” she said. “This is a completely new endeavour for White Lake.”
The organization has holdings in labour force support, energy development, forestry as well as retail sectors like catering and lodging, Finlayson Pirie said.
“So this just added to our platforms in terms of our diversity.”
The business features three grades of gasoline as well as diesel, she said. It also has bulk facilities for diesel and propane, allowing for the filling of large vehicles, personal tanks as well as for residential and commercial buildings.
It also has a convenience store selling the usual highway stop fare, along with to-go meals like burgers, subs and sandwiches, some basic groceries and travel supplies, Finlayson Pirie said. It will also be a place where Netmizaaggamig members can sell artwork and crafts.
There are plans to expand amenities in the future, she added.
Having a community-owned gas and convenience business along the Trans-Canada was a longtime priority for one of the community’s former chiefs, John Kwissiwa, who died in 2018. The current project is a way to honour that vision, Finlayson Pirie said, adding that their grand opening happened on the anniversary of his death, even though she said that wasn’t planned.
“He always said ‘if we can develop an entity on the highway for gas, then we would have a steady revenue stream and start developing a more positive reputation for Netmizaaggamig,’” Finlayson Pirie said.
“And so, when the additions to the reserve (were) finalized … chief and council actioned that vision in his honour.”
Land clearing work began in 2023 with construction starting late the following spring, she said. In total, the project came to about $7 million and was financed through a combination of investment by the First Nation, the White Lake development corporation, and various grants and loans, she said.
“It's one of White Lake's largest investments to date,” Finlayson Pirie said.
Currently, the business employs 11 people.
“Our daily goal is to have the cheapest gas prices from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste. Marie,” she said.
— SNnewswatch
