Caldwell First Nation provides update on gas bar, marina, reserve

As part of their ceremony and announcement on the co-management of Ojibway National Urban Park near Windsor, Caldwell First Nation recently provided an update on projects ongoing within the urban reserve in the Leamington area.

A release issued on January 11 outlined the plans for the reserve going forward.

An urban reserve is land within or adjacent to an urban municipality that has been set apart by the federal crown for the use and benefit of a First Nation.

Caldwell First Nation purchased 34 parcels of land in Leamington and the surrounding area and on November 10, 2020, one parcel (198 acres) received a Ministerial Order designating reserve status to Caldwell.

To date Land Use Planning has been done, a community concept has been complete which contemplates 120 residences, beginning with 28 residential units on the new reserve that has been funded through CMHC’s Rapid Housing Initiative.

All infrastructure and engineering required to support not only the homes (Phase 1) but also the future community development for the First Nation Administration, recreational, educational, commercial, residential building is near completion with projected shovel-in-ground beginning in fall of 2023.

Caldwell First Nation representatives are working in collaboration with Leamington, Indigenous Services Canada, Ontario First Nations Technical Services and Baird AE, a local Architect and Engineering firm.

Targeting March 2023, Caldwell First Nation will celebrate the opening of a new Gas Bar and Variety store, one of the largest operations in southwestern Ontario.

They are also making progress in developing their marina at Sturgeon Creek with kayaking and boat launches, as well as constructing a new boardwalk on the marina land.

“This is an exciting year for our First Nation and others in the region,” stated the release. “Major businesses and governments are stepping up to invest in clean energy projects to power southwestern Ontario. Other major investments are happening in electric vehicle manufacturing, necessary infrastructure, and hospitals and health care facilities. The government of Ontario has partnered with our First Nations to establish the Three Fires Nations – Ontario Southwestern Ontario Infrastructure and Economic Opportunities Table.”

This new joint table is advancing billions of dollars in critical infrastructure, transformational investments, and clean energy projects in the region. Caldwell First Nation and other Three Fires Treaty Nations are stepping up as investment partners to help bolster the booming business ecosystem, and drive investments and new projects at the speed of business.

“Our First Nations are preparing to invest well over $1 billion dollars in new clean energy projects, including five new transmission lines, and a major new energy storage systems table will advance billions of dollars in critical infrastructure, transformational investments, and clean energy projects in the region,” added the release. “We are proud to be major drivers of southwestern Ontario’s future clean, green and healthy economy.”

The boardwalk currently being built on the southern edge of Sturgeon Creek.