The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) have finalized a combined investment of $20 million to rejuvenate the Matawa Training and Wellness Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario. This initiative aims to enhance essential services for over 10,000 members of the Matawa First Nations communities.
Significant Investment in Indigenous Community Infrastructure
Through its Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII), the CIB is contributing $15 million, complemented by RBC’s $5 million financing. This funding will transform the Centre into a modern community hub, centralizing education, health, social services, and community programs. The facility will house Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services, the Matawa Health Co-operative, and Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin, Matawa’s social services department, all under one roof.
Enhanced Access to Essential Services
The revitalized Centre is projected to facilitate over 20,000 appointments annually, offering social, health, and holistic care. This development addresses a critical infrastructure gap for the nine Matawa First Nations member communities, including Aroland, Constance Lake, Eabametoong, Ginoogaming, Long Lake #58, Marten Falls, Neskantaga, Nibinamik, and Webequie First Nations.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
A key aspect of the project is its focus on environmental sustainability. Planned energy-efficient upgrades encompass electrical systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. According to a RETScreen Clean Energy Management assessment, these enhancements are expected to reduce the building’s energy consumption by approximately 70%.
Anticipated Opening and Community Impact
The Matawa Training and Wellness Centre is scheduled to open by spring 2025. This project represents the CIB’s first retrofit initiative within an Indigenous community, underscoring a commitment to improving infrastructure that directly benefits Indigenous populations.
Endorsements from Key Stakeholders
The Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, emphasized the collaboration’s significance: “This partnership with Matawa First Nations Management reflects the power of collaboration in supporting the needs of the Matawa First Nations community. Together, we are modernizing the Training and Wellness Centre to ensure that accessible, high-quality health care and social services are available to everyone.”
Ehren Cory, CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, highlighted the project’s impact: “Our investment in the Matawa Training and Wellness Centre, through our Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative, marks our first investment in a First Nation Retrofit project. Our partnership will make an impact for the 10,000 community members who will benefit from the education, health, social services, and community programming offered through the transformed centre.”
Chinyere Eni, Head of RBC Origins, remarked on the importance of sustainable development: “RBC is pleased to work with the CIB and Matawa Training and Wellness Centre to finance the revitalization of an important community hub that enables the education and wellbeing of generations of Indigenous community members. Supporting the resilience, environmentally sustainable development, and advancement of Indigenous communities in this way is important in order for Canada to achieve a successful transition to net zero.”
Matawa First Nations Management expressed optimism about the project’s progress: “We are grateful that, after purchasing this unused property in Thunder Bay four short years ago, we now have the finish line within sight. Having reached financial close on loan financing with the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Royal Bank of Canada, we are looking forward to the spring 2025 completion of the Matawa Training and Wellness Centre. It will be a place where Indigenous people and communities can heal and grow within a wrap-around and culturally sensitive approach.”
The collaborative investment by CIB and RBC in the Matawa Training and Wellness Centre signifies a substantial advancement in providing accessible, high-quality services to Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario. The project’s emphasis on environmental sustainability and comprehensive community support sets a precedent for future infrastructure developments across Canada.
