Community Economic Development

Submitted by: Tony Daniels

The Economic Development program assisted in the following:

• Attend consultation and development workshop Manitoba Highways and Transportation, City of Portage la Prairie, Rural Municipality of Portage and Planning Consultants regarding the future developments adjacent to the Urban Reserve.
• The program established new partnerships with City of Portage la Prairie, Rural Municipality of Portage, Aboriginal Business Canada, Federal Business Development Bank, Banking Institutions and Contractors.
• Participation in the meetings and development of Infrastructure development planning in regards to the Portage Urban Reserve with the City of Portage la Prairie and Rural Municipality of Portage (RMP) Councils and representatives.
• The economic development planning with the Band Council and community members (entrepreneurs) were met to the best of our capabilities. New skills and knowledge were upgraded to assist and advise Band Council and community members.
• In the proposal development section, the economic development program assisted and provided information on the Long Plain and City of Portage la Prairie joint submission to the Province of Manitoba Committee for the new Portage Women's Correctional Institute and Women's Healing Lodge; Long Plain Personal Care Home Proposal and Business Plan; Restaurant and Café expansion proposal; and the Long Plain First Nation and Arrowhead Development Corporation Office Complex Project Proposal.
• The project management and construction of the Conference and Gaming Centre was completed and in operation. The facility has 6000 square foot conference centre or bingo area and 6000 square feet for three administration offices, a security office, bank vault, 50 Video lottery Terminal Operation and meeting boardroom.
• The Tribal Council and Arrowhead Development Corporation continued to develop the parent and urban reserves (Portage and Winnipeg).
• Band-owned businesses and projects contributed to increased employment opportunities for Tribal members. The businesses have created over 120 full-time jobs in the last two years and the unemployment rate has dropped significantly. Community members were hired to fill gas bar, restaurant, catering, bingo and video lottery terminal and gaming, radio broadcasting, janitorial, yard maintenance, housing renovation, construction trade and agricultural positions.
• Advice, consultation and assistance to the three-year Irrigation Project continued. The project is in the first year of development. The land use plan and management is continuously being developed.
• The Irrigation Project employed eight band members for six months.
• The economic development program was instrumental in public relations and establishing regional, local and external governments relationships: for example, the signing of a Municipal Services Agreement (MSA) for the Urban Reserve to provide water and sewer, fire and ambulance services with Tribal Government and the City of Portage la Prairie and RMP.
• The Economic Development program provided advice and assistance to the negotiations and development of the MSA's.