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GINOOGAMING FIRST NATION CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING ON ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE PROJECT

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                                                       

Monday, July 29, 2024 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GINOOGAMING FIRST NATION CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING ON ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE PROJECT

GINOOGAMING FIRST NATION – On July 29, 2024, Ginoogaming First Nation hosted a groundbreaking ceremony marking the first phase of its roadway and drainage rehabilitation project which will fortify the community’s infrastructure for years to come.

The rehabilitation project will see improvements to 7.2 kilometres of roadway and drainage systems in the 200-person community which has had to deal with blocked culverts and overflowing and standing water.

The first phase of the project includes the installation of new culverts, as well as ditching, reshaping and grading of roadways. The second phase, scheduled for completion in 2025, will see the prepared roadways resurfaced, paved and topped. This work will improve water drainage by managing the flow of water, and will also prevent erosion, which can compromise roadway integrity.

“We’re excited for this project to begin its construction phase. These improvements will ensure water flows out and away from the community, safeguarding roads and homes and other facilities. It’s about protecting our current and future assets,” said Ginoogaming First Nation Chief Sheri Taylor.

The rehabilitation project is a joint venture between Ginoogaming First Nation and the Miller Group, who will complete construction on the project, and is expected to provide several seasonal job opportunities for band members. The First Nation has also partnered with engineering consultant EXP to design, tender, negotiate and administer contracts for this project.

The roadway and drainage rehabilitation project is estimated to cost $4.37 million and will be cost-shared between Ginoogaming First Nation and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs.

About the partners:

Ginoogaming First Nation, an Anishinaabe community near Geraldton, Ontario, with 1000 registered members, is a signatory to the 1905 James Bay Treaty No. 9.

The Miller Group is a Colas company in Canada, a Canadian leader in the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure.

With a mission to understand, innovate, partner and deliver, EXP provides engineering, architecture, design and consulting services to the world’s built and natural environments.

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For more information, please contact: Charnel Anderson, Communications Generalist, Matawa First Nations at (807) 621-9405 or by email at canderson@matawa.on.ca.

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