Fed Nor brings total federal funding in Bingwi Neyaashi Anishnaabe plan for $1.1 million
Ottawa is increasing support for a biomass district heating project aimed at a First Nation community in northwestern Ontario, located near Lake Nipigon.
Fed Nor is providing $669,383 to Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek to help install the system that will deliver heat to various buildings within the community.
This new funding follows a previous announcement of $459,800 made by the federal government last December. This was part of a series of funding initiatives across Northern Ontario aimed at promoting Indigenous clean energy projects.
The total investment from the federal government in this clean energy initiative now stands at $1,129,183.
Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu, who oversees Fed Nor, announced this on August 5.
This funding comes from a Fed Nor program known as the Northern Ontario Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, which is financed by Indigenous Services Canada.
A release from Fed Nor mentioned that these funds are designated for both planning and constructing the heating system. Local wood residue from a sawmill will serve as the fuel source.
The release did not provide specific details regarding the scale of operations, job creation potential, or where exactly the wood residue will come from.
Earlier descriptions of this project suggested it would utilize wood residue and chipped waste sourced from the local Papasay sawmill. The infrastructure plans include a central boiler plant and wood chip yard with underground piping connecting it to numerous residential and commercial buildings within the community.
Last year, the Ontario government contributed $250,000 towards this heating system to conduct research on local biomass supplies and purchase equipment needed for converting biomass into fuel.
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, previously known as Sand Point, sits on the southeastern edge of Lake Nipigon.
“This district biomass heating system puts local knowledge, leadership, and innovation at the forefront, delivering clean energy across the community while creating good jobs and new opportunities close to home,” said Hajdu in the release.
“The people of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek are dedicated to fostering a strong cultural identity, to protecting Mother Earth and providing opportunities to all,” said Chief Paul Gladu in a statement.
“That is why we are driving a cleaner, brighter future through renewable energy initiatives. Our partnership with Fed Nor is helping to make that possible. In addition to reducing environmental impact, this initiative will stimulate local employment and long-term financial returns for our community and beyond.”
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