NIPIGON – After finding human remains dating back centuries in May, Parks Canada announced on Friday that it will find a new location for the Lake Superior Administration and Visitor Centre.
Parks Canada awarded a $37-million contract for the construction of a new Administration and Visitor Centre for the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area in Nipigon in January. A groundbreaking was held at the marina on May 4.
“During excavation of the site, pre-contact Indigenous ancestral remains were uncovered,” Parks Canada said by email on Friday.
“All work ceased to allow for additional archaeological assessments to be performed. Based on these assessments, Parks Canada has concluded that the construction of a building is not a viable option at this site and will be working with partners to determine next steps for a new location.”
Approximately $5 million of the $37 million has been spent on the work to date, said Lisa Nyman, site manager with the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.
Nyman said the project is on hold for the moment while Parks Canadian officials determine next steps, although they are prioritizing building it in Nipigon.
"I support that decision," she said. "I think that it's important for us to respect those that came before us in their final resting places."
The release said Parks Canada remains committed to “strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, and to work with communities to protect the lands and waters that are significant to Indigenous Peoples and Canadians.
“Parks Canada is dedicated to the development (of) an administration and visitor centre to welcome locals and travellers to the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.”