Indian Friendship Centre set for a facelift

The North Bay Indian Friendship Centre (IFC) is about to have a major facelift. That announcement made by Nipissing MPP Monique Smith during the IFC regular board meeting in April.

The $815,000 in funding made available through the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, will help the IFC located at located at 980 Cassells Street make programs and services more accessible for the urban Aboriginal community.

Smith says the Friendship Centre Infrastructure Program is providing $650,000 toward the following renovations:

- Energy efficient windows installation

- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing system upgrades

- A new cultural resource centre

- A medicine room, and

- Interior renovations

Through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services Partner Facility Renewal Fund, the province is providing $165,000 for the following:

- The installation of an elevator to make the building handicapped accessible

- A roof replacement

“I am pleased that community members and visitors to the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre will benefit from the forthcoming improvements to the building,” said MPP Smith.

“Upgrading infrastructure is an important part of our government’s economic plan.”



Board Chair Ken Dokis says the centre upgrade will not only benefit the urban Aboriginal community but will benefit the community at large.

“It will be a part of the huge recognition Aboriginal advancement for our business attitude that we have now at the Friendship Centre.”

“I think the other organizations within North Bay will recognise this as a situated organization that works for the betterment of not just the Aboriginal people of the North Bay area but the non-Aboriginals as well.”




“Since 1974 the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre has served as an important gathering place for the Aboriginal community of North Bay and area. Today, the Friendship Centre employs twenty eight staff and offers a wide range of social, health and wellness, justice, and cultural programs to meet the needs of children, youth, seniors and families. We are grateful for the financial assistance provided to our Friendship Centre to repair and renovate our building,” said Peter Ferris, Executive Director of the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre.

“The funds will support the Friendship Centre to provide a safe, accessible and welcoming environment for our staff and the many Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people who use our services.”



Renovations are expected to be completed by 2012, and will make the centre more accessible for its members and visitors. Friendship centres offer programs and services, such as prenatal programs, health and wellness services and drop-in centres for youth.