THUNDER BAY — More than four years after receiving $1 million in seed money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Lakehead University is still looking for funding to build a new Indigenous learning and programming centre.
It hopes the city can help persuade the federal and Ontario governments to contribute a lot more.
Former LU President Brian Stevenson unveiled ambitious plans for the Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre in July 2016.
It was touted as a facility that would help the school aggressively target the Indigenous population for student recruitment.
The three-storey, 73,000 sq. ft. complex on the edge of Lake Tamblyn would include classrooms, meeting spaces, a gathering and performance space, and support services.
It would also house academic departments devoted to delivering Indigenous-specific programming.
At the time, the estimated construction cost was about $34 million.
"This is very important, particularly for students from northern communities that when they arrive need to have culturally-sensitive safe space, a space to be able to be with elders and other students," Stevenson said.
Former Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle simultaneously announced a Heritage Fund grant to go toward the design and engineering phase.
Recently, Lakehead University approached the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission for assistance from the city in lobbying for funds to construct the building.
In a statement to TBnewswatch, the university noted that it signed a memorandum of understanding with the city in 2017 to undertake joint work that includes promoting "a common narrative and compelling vision, working together on community-based research and reconciliation initiatives," and collaborating on projects that enhance Thunder Bay's economic and social fabric.
A Lakehead spokesperson said Monday the project is shovel-ready, "but ultimately, we need an investment to make this a reality."
The statement added "more than ever, this project is needed for the economic rebuild that our province and country will need."
The university continues to reach out to the federal and provincial governments for funding, saying its construction will contribute $37.5 million to the country's gross domestic product, and over $10 million annually once in operation.
Lakehead estimates that 300 construction jobs will be generated, with 81 full-time jobs anticipated upon opening.
It describes the Indigenous centre as critically-needed community and cultural infrastructure for Thunder Bay and for Northwestern Ontario.
