Nipissing First Nation is launching the first step in our community engagement efforts to help shape the vision for a potential twin-pad arena and hotel near Yellek. Your voice is essential to help us understand community needs, priorities, and aspirations for this major potential development. The purpose of these sessions is to support our understanding of the community’s vision, experiences around current regional recreation infrastructure, planned growth, and future infrastructure plans. Your input will directly inform the Feasibility Study being completed by Colliers Project Leaders.
Potential twin-pad arena and hotel near Yellek
Why Your Participation Matters
This project has the potential to support youth, families, Elders, athletes, local businesses, and the broader region. Community feedback will help determine:
- What makes a great arena for NFN
- How the facility can reflect our culture, identity, and values
- What additional uses – beyond hockey – should be included
- How the arena and hotel could support jobs, tourism, and community programming
- What concerns or considerations should guide planning
Join us on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at one of two in‑person visioning sessions:
- Duchesnay Hall at 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
- Garden Village Gym 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Each session will include a short 15–20 minute presentation that outlines the project objectives, scope, and how community input will shape the feasibility study.
World Café Discussions
Participants will rotate through small-table discussions exploring key questions such as:
- What makes a great arena?
- How should the facility reflect NFN culture?
- What community uses and opportunities should be included?
Dotmocracy Activity
Using photo boards, participants will identify their top priorities for arena and hotel features by placing coloured sticky notes – an engaging way to visualize collective preferences.
Light refreshments will be provided for the afternoon session, and a light meal will be provided for the evening session.
Additional Ways to Participate
Recognizing that not everyone can attend in person, NFN will also launch:
- Online Community Survey: A short, confidential survey will be open for three weeks in June. It will gather broader input on recreation needs, priorities, and potential benefits or concerns.
- Local Vendor Survey: Businesses will be invited to share their needs and interest in potential commercial space associated with the project.
- Targeted Interviews: NFN leadership, youth, and sports program representatives will participate in focused discussions to explore specific needs in more depth.
Help Shape the Future of Recreation and Economic Development at NFN
This is an important opportunity to guide a proposed project that could support youth development, community wellness, cultural expression, and economic growth for generations to come.
To thank participants for their time and insight, door prizes will be available at both in-person session, and anyone who completes a survey or participates in an interview will be entered into a gift card draw.
We encourage all NFN members – on and off‑reserve – to participate in the engagement sessions or complete the online survey.
Your voice will help ensure this project is grounded in NFN’s values and responsive to the community’s needs.
For any questions or concerns, please contact:
Gen Couchie, Business Operations Manager
705-753-2050 ext. 1243
