Food distribution network gets off ground: First Nations, logistics group primed to move affordable goods north.

• Author: Ross, Ian
• Position: NEWS

A much sought-after distribution centre to stockpile and ship food and consumer goods to remote northwestern Ontario First Nation communities is one step closer to reality.

CreeWest GP (General Partnership) and the First Nation communities of Lac Seul and Kitchenuhmaykoosib are partnering on a regional project to help Far North reserves overcome costly logistical and distance barriers to receive fresh, affordable and nutritious food.

Construction is expected to start this spring at the Sioux Lookout Regional Airport on an 11,875-square-foot logistics centre and warehouse with the anticipation of starting operations in the fall.

"This is the initial tip of the iceberg to move forward on the distribution centre out of Sioux Lookout," said Ron Basaraba, CreeWest CEO, of the Dec. 4 signing of a memorandum of understanding.

CreeWest is a First Nations regional working group made up of economic development representatives from the member communities of Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Moose Cree and Weenusk. Included in their stable of assets is an air carrier.

CreeWest will not be involved in sourcing food, he said. A corporation will be established to handle that.

"We're in logistics. It's up to the communities to source out their own suppliers. It's for them to negotiate the pricing on buying in bulk and there's one point of location to send it to, to the distribution centre, where logistics takes over. We scope out the most economical, best and fastest way to get it there."

The new facilities, to be located next to CreeWest's hangar, will have a walk-in cooler/freezer and commercialized stacking shelves.

One of the factors behind creating a distribution centre is to better consolidate and stage outgoing freight shipments to ensure perishable items reach the communities in a fresh state.

How much volume of freight they can expect to...