Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction is set to begin on the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area Administration and Visitor Centre in Nipigon. The landmark building will serve as Parks Canada’s primary operations base and visitor reception area for Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.
A construction contract was awarded to Thunder Bay-based Finn Way General Contractor Inc., requiring employment opportunities and use of suppliers and contractors within local Indigenous communities. NORR, Architecture & Engineering designed the building.
“I am proud to see the construction contract awarded to a local Thunder Bay company and to know that in turn will create economic growth and job opportunities throughout the region,” said Marcus Powlowski, MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River
Construction is expected to take two years.
In January 2024, the federal government announced $37 million for construction of the centre and a ground-breaking ceremony was held last week.
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting northern communities across Canada, like the communities here across Lake Superior’s North shore,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services. “Construction of this landmark, net-zero building will create a permanent space to welcome visitors to our region and showcase the intricate history, ecology, and cultures of the land and waters of Lake Superior.
“This project is an exciting blend of conservation, economic development through tourism, and sustainable ecological design.”
The centre will be Parks Canada’s first Passive House Plus, net-zero carbon build and will showcase the rich history of Indigenous peoples and coastal communities in the area, along with stories from above and below the surface of Lake Superior.
