Hillcrest Hub site nearly ready for development 

Tim Brody - Editor

The Municipality of Sioux Lookout has nearly finished preparing the Hillcrest Hub site for development.
The Municipality informed that the final infrastructure, including the site’s main parking lot, is expected to be completed in August. At that time the Municipality said developers will have full access to begin their projects.
The new business park, which has been in development for several years, was designed to, “help address the growing shortage of commercial space in the community.”
“As the “Hub of the North,” Sioux Lookout plays a vital role in delivering regional health care, education, and social services to surrounding communities. These sectors have not only become cornerstones of our local economy—they’ve also shaped our identity and contributed significantly to our growth,” the Municipality shared.
“Over the past several years, the expansion of these essential services has filled much of the available commercial space in town, making it difficult for new or growing businesses to find room to establish themselves. At the same time, fully serviced, shovel-ready land—which is highly sought after by developers—is in short supply. Hillcrest Hub aims to fill that gap by offering investment-ready opportunities to support continued community and economic development.”
To support the growth it envisions at Hillcrest Hub, the Municipality said a roundabout was also built at the entrance to the Hillcrest area to help calm traffic and improve safety as development increases.
To date, the Municipality informed that nearly $11 million has been invested into this project with project funding coming through NOHFC, FedNor, NORDS, Reserve and Long Term Debt.
According to the Municipality, “Hillcrest Hub will welcome a wide variety of businesses, but there is a keen interest in attracting those that fill important service and business gaps. These include:
•    Health and wellness professionals (chiropractors, massage therapists, naturopaths, and other allied health services)
•    Veterinary services
•    Dry cleaning services
•    Entertainment and recreation venues”
The Municipality added, “There is also strong interest in businesses that complement the community’s thriving resource-based tourism industry, particularly those that expand cultural and adventure experiences. These might include:
•    Outdoor adventure outfitters
•    Eco-tourism, hiking, and paddling tours
•    Guiding and interpretive services focused on local heritage, nature, and Indigenous culture
•    Family-friendly attractions
•    Locally focused food, retail, or specialty services
•    Shuttle or seasonal transportation providers
The Municipality informed, “One of the first confirmed projects is a 10,000 sq ft mixed-use building by Rideout Bay Developments, which will feature commercial lease space on the ground floor with residential units above — ideal for employers needing both workspace and housing options for staff. Rideout Bay is actively seeking tenants and partners who require commercial office or employee housing.”
On July 9, the Municipality announced a major addition to Hillcrest Hub, a “26-room motel by A&A Development, a local Indigenous-owned business, will be constructed at Hillcrest Hub to help meet long-standing accommodation needs in the community. Hillcrest Suites will feature a fridge, stove, washer and dryer in every unit to accommodate short and long terms stays for local contractors, visitors, and temporary employees.”
Applications for additional lots at the Hillcrest Hub are still open, and the Municipality said it is actively engaged in dialogue with additional interested developers and businesses.
Interested developers can visit https://www.siouxlookout.ca/directory-listings/hillcrest-drive for an application form and development package.
“To further enhance the site, the Municipality has submitted an additional application to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). If approved, the funding would support the installation of attractive landscaping, and the creation of a patio seating area for patrons and employees of the complex—helping to create a welcoming and functional space as development progresses,” the Municipality concluded.