Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation | Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation

Purpose

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) is a resilient and forward-looking Indigenous community located in Northwest Ontario on the shores of Dinorwic Lake and located 20 km southeast of Dryden and 65 km northwest of Ignace. WLON’s land base consists of 46.27 sq. km most of which is inaccessible by vehicle as there are no roads or trails. The nation’s reserve is divided into two parts, separated by Dinorwic Lake. Currently, WLON has an on-reserve population of approximately 200 members, which is expected to increase in the coming years with the addition of new community housing. Community members and staff have identified a critical need for more and safer walking and cycling routes throughout the community. In addition to providing connections separate from vehicles, active connections will increase help to increase healthy transportation options and will support year-round recreation and social/cultural gathering on the land throughout WLON. The existing transportation infrastructure in the community is automobile oriented, gravel and chipseal roadways (8.0 km) with no sidewalks, and several informal trails. This project would focus on developing an active transportation network plan that would identify and prioritize the development of safe pedestrian and cycling connections for residents of all ages within the growing community. Importantly, these new and upgraded pathways would improve access to key community facilities from residential areas as well as facilitate cultural learning with signage and access to important cultural locations in the community. The active transportation network plan will include several key outcomes: 1. The development a network map, which will identify and prioritize pedestrian and cycling connections throughout the community to key destinations. 2. A written plan articulating the community vision and goals, relevant policies, and program recommendations to support an increase in active transportation across all four seasons. 3. High level cost estimates will be prepared for the whole network plan, which will support our community to budget and seek additional capital funding to support implementation efforts. 4. Two rounds of engagement throughout the project will provide opportunities for both broad community engagement with members, and focused engagement with key stakeholder which will include public works, community elders, Chief and Council. The collaboration with community members and elders is critical to ensuring the inclusion WLON history, culture and language throughout the planned network, infrastructure design recommendations, and amenities proposed as part of the planning process. Such amenities may include wayfinding signage, seating, gathering spaces, all for the purpose of celebrating and sharing the knowledge of WLON. This will ensure that community history is integrated throughout the land, and support land-based education efforts for both residents and visitors to the community. The project will also integrate documentation in areas where there may be increased environmental or habitat concerns for species at risk.