Client Profile: The Municipality of French River

The Municipality of French River, in northeastern Ontario, incorporates nine townships including the communities of Alban, French River Station, Ouellette, and Monetville. The region covers over 730 square kilometres and is home to over 2,600 residents. The region also contains many lakes and rivers, including the famous French River

This historically significant area was a major transportation route, dating back thousands of years. It was used by both Natives, and later Europeans, for trading purposes and exploration. After the collapse of the fur trade, logging and recreation became the main function of the river. Today the region offers many outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, golfing and boating.

The Project

Thirty-two hectares of land was purchased in Noelville to build a 16,891 square foot municipal office complex. The $4.6 million complex was designed to hold municipal offices as well as a state-of-the-art council chamber. The building serves multiple groups in the surrounding communities and is the largest office building in the French River region. Space is also leased to third party organizations, such as the regional Community Health Centre, an ambulance station and to the Meals on Wheels senior’s program.

The Solution

With a projected cost of approximately $4.6 million, the municipality looked to Infrastructure Ontario for a loan of $3.5 million to help finance the construction of the municipal complex. Infrastructure Ontario’s Loan Program provided French River with an affordable long-term loan which in turn helped to lessen the financial burden on the municipality.

The construction of the new municipal office complex began in spring 2008 and was completed in the winter of 2009.

“The new municipal complex will enhance our urban site and it will become one of the region’s most recognized landmarks.  This project would not have been possible without the help of Infrastructure Ontario."

Michel Monette, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk - Municipality of French River

The Result

Not only does the completed complex provide the community with a council chamber, ambulance station and senior’s program facility, it also enables the Sudbury East Community Health Centre to offer more health care services. The new building means increased staffing opportunities for the health centre. A physiotherapist, a nutritionist, and a new lab are just some of the new services offered. This expansion of services and increased access to health care will help benefit all members of the community. 

The design of the new office complex embodies the unique personality and history of French River. Because of the region’s strong connection with the forestry industry, the natural characteristic of wood has been used as a design element in the architecture. The entrance was constructed in a wave design to symbolize the flow of the French River.

For more information on the client, please visit their website at www.frenchriver.ca.