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ABOUT PACE
Patricia Area Community Endeavours Inc. (PACE) is a Community Futures Development Corporation dedicated to fostering local community and economic development in the Patricia Region. Through small business loans, non-profit funding, business counseling, and ongoing support, PACE provides the essential tools to help entrepreneurs and community groups build a brighter economic future.
Serving the communities within the Patricia Region, including Dryden, Eagle Lake First Nation, Ignace, Lac Seul First Nation, Machin, Pickle Lake, Sioux Lookout, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, and surrounding areas, PACE works closely with businesses and organizations to promote growth, sustainability, and opportunity.
PACE is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with diverse expertise in areas including:
Tourism
Law
Real Estate
Business
Banking
Agriculture
Service
Self-Employment
Management
Our board members live or work across the PACE catchment area, ensuring representation from all communities. PACE also has a dedicated team of full-time, professional staff, led by an Executive Director, to support our mission and operations.
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MISSION
Our Why:
To foster economic growth and community development in the Patricia Region of Northwestern Ontario.
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VISION
Our How:
To empower local businesses and community organizations through strategic support, including small business loans, non-profit funding, mentorship, and entrepreneurial coaching.
INNOVATION
We are strategic and creative when collaborating with our clients.
EMPOWERMENT
We empower individuals by providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed.
OUR CORE VALUES
COMMUNITY FOCUS
We act in the best interest of our clients and community.
INTEGRITY
We conduct business with respect and an open-minded approach.
COLLABORATION
We seek partnerships that strengthen local economic growth and community development.
Our Strategic Plan
The strategic plan for PACE outlines our long-term goals, priorities, and actions to drive community and economic development across the Patricia Region.
The Communities We Serve
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Dryden is a vibrant city where families, businesses, and nature thrive together. Located in northwestern Ontario, it offers a dynamic economy with a mix of retail, services, and natural beauty. Situated midway between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, Dryden is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it an ideal location for both living and doing business. With modern amenities like a full-service airport, healthcare center, and educational facilities, Dryden is a great place to raise a family, launch a business, or enjoy retirement.
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Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation is located on Dinorwic Lake, east of Dryden, known for its rich natural resources, including old-growth forests and productive wild rice fields. The community is engaged in industries like forestry, wild rice processing, and a tree nursery. With its annual Pow Wow and stunning landscapes, Wabigoon Lake is deeply connected to its cultural heritage, offering a peaceful, resource-rich environment.
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Located between Kenora and Dryden, Eagle Lake First Nation has a rich history rooted in fishing, hunting, and trapping. Known for its world-class fishing, particularly for muskies, Eagle Lake is a top tourism destination. The community’s economy also includes forestry and manufacturing, while its beautiful lakes and islands attract tourists year-round. The area provides a strong sense of community, with educational and recreational facilities to support its residents.
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Ignace, located on the Trans-Canada Highway, is a charming town known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. With industries like forestry and tourism, Ignace offers a variety of local services and amenities, including a golf course, recreation center, and active senior community. Its picturesque sunsets, lakes, and beaches make it a prime location for both residents and visitors to enjoy.
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Lac Seul First Nation, located northwest of Sioux Lookout, is one of the largest reserves in Treaty #3. With a strong history in fishing and trapping, it is now developing tourism as a key economic driver, thanks to its renowned fishing lodges on Lac Seul Lake. The community continues to grow, focusing on cultural, health, and business development, making it an attractive area for both families and businesses.
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The Municipality of Machin is nestled in the heart of Sunset Country, offering stunning wilderness, abundant wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities. With a population of 900, it includes three communities—Eagle River, Minnitaki, and Vermilion Bay—known for tourism, forestry, and mining. The region offers excellent recreational facilities, including Blue Lake Provincial Park, making it an ideal place for both residents and visitors to experience the tranquility of nature.
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Pickle Lake is a remote wilderness hub in northern Ontario, offering unparalleled outdoor recreation, including fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling. As the northernmost point of Ontario’s paved roads, it serves as a critical transportation link to nearby First Nations communities. With a growing tourism industry, affordable housing, and abundant natural resources, Pickle Lake is a welcoming community for new residents and entrepreneurs.
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Sioux Lookout, known as the “Hub of the North,” serves a vast area with services and amenities beyond what one might expect from a community of 5,600 people. With a rich history and strong connections to surrounding First Nations, it is an essential transportation and healthcare center in northwestern Ontario. The community offers a wide range of outdoor activities, cultural festivals, and educational opportunities, along with vibrant local businesses and tourism outlets.
Success Stories
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West End Cannabis
Nathan Plichta and his team at West End Cannabis Co., located in Vermilion Bay, are recognized for their success in the cannabis industry. Nathan, originally from Red Lake, opened his first retail store in 2020, which quickly became a local favorite. With a growing customer base and a higher-than-average basket size, Nathan expanded to Vermilion Bay, renovating the former Northern Lights Credit Union building into a cannabis retail space. PACE supported the project with funding for the building purchase and renovations, ensuring compliance with cannabis regulations. The store features unique artwork and a "gratitude wall" recognizing contributors. Nathan is committed to supporting the local community and plans to sponsor local events.
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Old Mill Dental
Dr. Tracey Guitard, owner of Old Mill Dental in Sioux Lookout, has built a state-of-the-art dental clinic after purchasing the practice in 2021. With a DDS from the University of Buffalo, Dr. Guitard initially worked in Thunder Bay and internationally before settling in Sioux Lookout to address the area's dental service gaps. The clinic features modern equipment and panoramic imaging software, providing care to patients from surrounding communities. PACE supported the clinic's expansion with funding for renovations. Dr. Guitard’s team now includes local professionals and plans to expand services with additional specialists. Her efforts have significantly improved access to dental care in the region, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
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The Pet Store
Rhonda Gouilique, owner of The Pet Store in Dryden, has been operating since 2016, growing the business through a combination of her passion for animals and excellent customer service. In 2021, she expanded to a larger location with the help of PACE funding, offering better visibility, more space, and enhanced access for deliveries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business remained steady, even experiencing a higher volume of clients due to an increase in adopted pets. Rhonda added a dog wash station, "The Paw Spa," to meet customer demand. The Pet Store, serving the region between Kenora and Thunder Bay, continues to be a key asset to the Dryden community, and Rhonda plans further growth.