Pikangikum First Nation has initiated a significant infrastructure project with the aim of enhancing food accessibility, job creation, and retaining more economic benefits within the community.
In collaboration with Bison Modular, ESB Construction, and Cobra Enterprises, the project encompasses a 19,500-square-foot modular grocery store featuring a pharmacy, hardware section, laundromat, and prep kitchen. Additionally, it includes a motel, a 50-seat diner complex, multiple four-plex and tri-plex units, and a commercial kitchen. The development of supporting infrastructure, such as water cisterns, hydro coordination, and site development, is being undertaken in partnership with local operators.
According to Shane Prevost, vice-president and board member of Bison Modular, the concept originated from the community’s leadership seeking to establish a grocery store. The project evolved into a broader hub comprising various businesses aimed at bolstering the community’s economic self-governance.
One of the primary drivers for Pikangikum was food sovereignty and internalizing the circulation of funds within the community. John Birch, founder of ESB Construction, highlighted that the community’s aspiration to offer competitive pricing, enhance the shopping experience for members, and retain revenues internally led to the project’s expansion.
The overarching goal is to retain financial resources within the community and cease the outflow of funds to external entities. The project is anticipated to create employment opportunities and reduce food expenses, emphasizing affordability and community service over maximizing profits.
Modular construction was identified by Prevost as a crucial strategy to address the challenges of constructing in a remote, fly-in community. This approach not only accelerates construction timelines by up to 50%, but also enables future expansions post its 2026 inauguration.
With a vision for continual growth, plans are already in place to expand the project by incorporating additional facilities such as a gas station. The community remains focused on self-sufficiency and economic empowerment through this transformative initiative.
