Ojibway Park Master Plan, Gardn River First Nation, Sault Ste Marie, ON

Ojibway Park is a recreational park and campground in Garden River First Nation that includes day-use facilities and camping options for rv’s, tents and cabins along Laughing Water Beach on Lake George. The Park includes space for gatherings, picnics, and ceremonies.

Ange worked with this community while with Cities and Environment Unit. After extensive consultation with the community developing a Comprehensive Community Plan, Ojibway Park was identified as a priority project as both a community space for the First Nation and as a tourism facility to showcase the beauty of their Land.

The Master Plan that was developed includes an interpretive education centre, renewed camping facilities for tenting and RV’s, a riparian protection zone, look-offs, nature observation areas, a trail and boardwalk system and the addition of a retreat and conference facility that can accommodate guests, community members and other First Nation communities.

This retreat facility includes a lodge with accommodations, conference rooms and a dining hall; lakeside and forest cabins; and a waterfront space with boardwalks for leisure and recreation as well as various spaces for gatherings, nature-connection and cultural activities.

 Illustrations: Piper Campbell