Pomerleau has selected Abitibi Connex in Iroquois Falls, Ont., as the logistics hub for the $1.8 billion Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) redevelopment project, a major healthcare initiative serving Ontario’s James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts.

Pinnacle Logistics Solutions is supporting the effort by co-ordinating material delivery for the remote construction sites in Moosonee, Ont., and Moose Factory, Ont. The project includes a new hospital in Moosonee with 36 private inpatient beds, a 32-bed Elder Care Lodge, emergency department, surgical suites, and an ambulatory care centre in Moose Factory. Deliveries are being routed through the redeveloped former paper mill site at Abitibi Connex, with Ontario Northland Rail upgrading 11.5 kilometres of spur track to support transport to the north.

The operation will involve approximately 3,000 rail cars over three years and is expected to create 120 jobs during peak construction.

“This partnership demonstrates the complex logistics co-ordination needed for major northern development, and the success partnerships like this bring to them,” said Frank Devries, principal and general manager of Pinnacle.

The site redevelopment has been led by BMI Group and Dutch investment firm Business-EQ in collaboration with the Town of Iroquois Falls. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Abitibi Connex is scheduled for Friday.

“Abitibi Connex demonstrates how existing infrastructure can be re-tooled to catalyze major regional projects,” said John Veldman, BMI’s chief operating officer. “Logistics infrastructure that aligns with community needs is how we, as a country, are going to realize Canada’s near-north and Arctic future—supporting the WAHA redevelopment project is proof of it.”

Completion of the WAHA project is expected by 2030.

Pictured: Abitibi Trestle Bridge in the foreground of Abitibi Connex

Photo: CNW Group/BMI Group