Monday, July 14, 2025 – Work is moving ahead to clean up contaminated soil on Nipissing First Nation (NFN) lands, and we want to keep you informed. A community information session will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Duchesnay Hall (520A Couchie Memorial Dr., North Bay). You’ll learn what’s happening next, ask questions, and find out how the work helps protect our land, water, and people.
This clean-up is important because some soil was affected by niobium (a natural metal that can affect soil and water quality). We’re moving that soil to keep our community and environment safe for future generations.
Recently, the first big step was finished. Soil was safely removed from the stockpile on Lot 24 in the Bineshii Business Park. Now, the project is continuing to remove the remaining soil from other sites. The Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that approval has been granted for the soil to be taken to a safe disposal disposal facility in Sarnia. Eventually, it may go closer to a site at Agnew Lake Tailings Management Area.
Here’s what’s next:
- Starting Monday, July 14, digging will begin at a site near the Anishinabek Nation Head Office (“AN”).
- From July 15-18, trucks will carry soil from the site near the AN to Lot 24. There, the soil will be loaded into bigger trucks and taken to Sarnia between 6 and 11 a.m. daily. Traffic control will be in place during this time, so expect short delays.
- After this, work will begin in two more areas: the old Nova Beaucage Road and the former mill site.
- The goal is to complete this project this year.
All environmental safety and traffic controls used in the first phase will continue. This helps keep drivers, workers, and community members safe.
Mark your calendar and join us on July 16 at Duchesnay Hall to stay informed about this important work.
Find more details and background on the project here: Soil Remediation Project
Miigwech for your continued patience and support. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact:
Gen Couchie, Business Operations Manager
Nipissing First Nation
705 753-2050 ext. 1243
[email protected]
