Aerial view of proposed Mitaanjigamiing First Nation development project. Supplied photo

Mitaanjigamiing First Nation is prepared to break ground next year on a multi-faceted development project in the town of Fort Frances.

Components include a new hotel, restaurant, gas station, retail and office space and residential units on land next to Canadian Tire.

Community leaders gathered on Tuesday for a ground blessing ceremony.

Members of Mitaanjigamiing First Nation and its Gobe Corporation gathered Oct. 12, 2022, for a ground blessing ceremony for a new development project in Fort Frances. Image: Randy Thoms

Chief Janice Henderson calls it a momentous occasion for her community.

“We’re looking forward to opportunities for our First Nation, for our community members, band members now, and for future generations,” says Chief Henderson.

Through the work of its community development arm, the Gobe Corporation secured several franchises before making the development public.

The hotel will be Studio 6, operated under the Motel 6 chain, and will have units.

Other franchises confirmed are Smitty’s Restaurant and Co-op gas.

Gobe’s Chief Operating Officer Randy Councillor, with the community’s development arm, the Gobe Corporation, says they are prepared to begin construction in 2023, with some facilities ready to open in 2024.

“This is a very important historic moment for the community. It’s a first for the community, and I think it’s going to be well received within the town of Fort Frances and the neighbours,” says Councillor.

One of the first facilities to open will be Smitty’s Restaurant.

Click to view an artist’s rendition of the development project.