Latest news with #JohnVeldman
Cision Canada
22-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Abitibi Connex in Iroquois Falls Selected by Pomerleau as Logistics Hub for $1.8 Billion WAHA Redevelopment Project with Pinnacle Logistics Solutions Ltd.
IROQUOIS FALLS, ON, July 22, 2025 /CNW/ - Pomerleau, one of Canada's largest construction firms, has selected Abitibi Connex to support the $1.8 billion Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Redevelopment Project in Moosonee and Moose Factory. The partnership will be supported by Pinnacle Logistics Solutions Ltd., a specialty over-dimensional logistics management company, to coordinate material delivery for constructing a new regional healthcare campus that will serve patients and clients living along Ontario's James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts. The Project includes a new hospital in Moosonee featuring 36 private inpatient beds, a 32-bed long-term Elder Care Lodge, a 24-hour emergency department, modern surgical suites, and more. An additional ambulatory care centre in Moose Factory will provide culturally-appropriate care for everyone living in the western James Bay and Hudson Bay coastal regions of Ontario. This July, Pomerleau and Pinnacle Logistics Solutions Ltd. launched material transfers to Abitibi Connex, coordinating construction supplies through the former paper mill site that BMI Group and Dutch investment group Business-EQ have redeveloped. Ontario Northland Rail is upgrading 11.5 km of rail spur to create a direct connection from Iroquois Falls to the Cochrane junction, where materials will be railed north to their destination in Moosonee. Pinnacle Logistics Ltd. views Abitibi Connex as a key strategic partner in delivering critical infrastructure to northern Ontario. Coordinating material movement for a project of this scale in a remote region demands both creative logistics and strong partnerships. With a centralized, purpose-built logistics hub, Abitibi Connex enables Pinnacle and Pomerleau to efficiently move essential construction materials—ensuring healthcare infrastructure reaches northern communities where and when it's needed most. The operation will handle approximately 3,000 rail cars through Abitibi Connex over three years and create an estimated 120 jobs during peak construction. "This partnership demonstrates the complex logistics coordination needed for major northern development, and the success partnerships like this bring to them," said Frank Devries, Principal & General Manager, Pinnacle Logistics Solutions Ltd. This Project addresses a critical service gap in northern Ontario, where residents often travel hundreds of kilometers for specialized care. Once complete, these modern facilities will provide emergency, acute, and specialty healthcare in spaces that culturally reflect local traditions and healing practices. The Project is expected to be complete in 2030. "Abitibi Connex demonstrates how existing infrastructure can be re-tooled to catalyze major regional projects," said John Veldman, BMI Group's Chief Operating Officer. "Logistics infrastructure that aligns with community needs is how we, as a country, are going to realize Canada's near-north and Arctic future—supporting the WAHA Redevelopment Project is proof of it." The Abitibi Connex site is being developed in close collaboration with the Town of Iroquois Falls, who have enthusiastically supported the project, and J.L. Richards & Associates, who lead the master planning process for the former mill and surrounding lands. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new launch of Abitibi Connex will take place on July 25, 2025, at 1:30 PM. The event invites representatives from across the community. About BMI Group BMI Group is leading high-impact developments across industrial, infrastructure, commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors. We transform idled infrastructure into new opportunities through multi-sector collaborations that bring together communities, First Nations, governments, and investors. BMI Group develops projects across industrial, infrastructure, commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors. The company specializes in transforming existing assets into modern facilities, working collaboratively with communities, First Nations, governments, and investors to create economic opportunities. About Abitibi Connex Abitibi Connex is a logistics hub located in Iroquois Falls serving northern Ontario's infrastructure, natural resources, and agriculture sectors throughout Ontario's near and far-north communities. About Pomerleau Pomerleau is one of Canada's largest construction companies, with $5.3 billion in revenues in 2024. The company delivers buildings, civil and infrastructure works, and major projects using alternative models. Founded over 60 years ago, Pomerleau has approximately 5,000 employees on over 200 sites from coast to coast. The company has been recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers since 2020 and one of Deloitte's Best Managed Companies. About Pinnacle Logistics Solutions Ltd. Pinnacle Logistics Solutions Ltd. specializes in the planning and execution of logistics for major infrastructure projects, with particular expertise in challenging and remote project sites. Recognized by Maclean's Magazine and Canadian Business Magazine as Canada's fastest-growing transport and logistics company, Pinnacle brings a proven track record of delivering innovative, efficient, and dependable logistics solutions in complex environments, both domestically, and worldwide through our network.
Cision Canada
15-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
BMI Group Launches Abitibi Connex to Advance Northern Ontario's Growing Logistics Infrastructure
IROQUOIS FALLS, ON, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Leading development company, BMI Group, has launched Abitibi Connex, a strategic initiative to redevelop the historic Abitibi Paper Mill in Iroquois Falls into a multimodal hub, expanding northern Ontario's growing logistics infrastructure. Advantageously located along major northern shipping routes and offering direct rail access, Abitibi Connex will serve as a logistics base for organizations in the natural resources, agriculture, and food sectors. The team has already secured an anchor tenant who will use the site to support large-scale construction projects in northern Ontario. Abitibi Connex builds on the site's substantial existing infrastructure, which includes 144,000 square feet of warehouse space, eight loading docks, storage silos, two rail bays with direct access, and more than 838 hectares of land primed for industrial, agricultural, and forestry development. "We've had people ask us, 'why now?'" said John Veldman, Chief Operating Officer of BMI Group. "For a long time, the market lacked the drive to invest in idled assets. That's changed. Today, industrial sites with multimodal capabilities are key to strengthening Canada's supply chain resilience." Since acquiring the site in 2016, BMI has been ready-stating the property, which includes restoring power and upgrading buildings. In September 2024, the project was catalyzed by a $20 million investment from the Northland Participation Fund, a partnership between BMI and Dutch investment group Business EQ. Ontario Northland will upgrade the 11.5 km rail line from Porquis Junction to Iroquois Falls. "We are delighted to support this initiative with track upgrades and look forward to providing BMI's Abitibi Connex with rail services," says Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Northland. "This investment will enhance connectivity and support economic development for Iroquois Falls and businesses throughout the region." The site is being developed in close collaboration with the Town of Iroquois Falls and J.L. Richards & Associates, who lead the master planning process for the former mill and surrounding lands. "Iroquois Falls is proud to partner with BMI. This innovative use of the mill as a logistics base will attract investment, businesses, and jobs to our community," said Tory Delaurier, Mayor of Iroquois Falls. With its strategic location and robust infrastructure, Abitibi Connex is poised to become a critical component of northern Ontario's growing logistics infrastructure.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BMI Group Launches Abitibi Connex to Advance Northern Ontario's Growing Logistics Infrastructure
IROQUOIS FALLS, ON, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Leading development company, BMI Group, has launched Abitibi Connex, a strategic initiative to redevelop the historic Abitibi Paper Mill in Iroquois Falls into a multimodal hub, expanding northern Ontario's growing logistics infrastructure. Advantageously located along major northern shipping routes and offering direct rail access, Abitibi Connex will serve as a logistics base for organizations in the natural resources, agriculture, and food sectors. The team has already secured an anchor tenant who will use the site to support large-scale construction projects in northern Ontario. Abitibi Connex builds on the site's substantial existing infrastructure, which includes 144,000 square feet of warehouse space, eight loading docks, storage silos, two rail bays with direct access, and more than 838 hectares of land primed for industrial, agricultural, and forestry development. "We've had people ask us, 'why now?'" said John Veldman, Chief Operating Officer of BMI Group. "For a long time, the market lacked the drive to invest in idled assets. That's changed. Today, industrial sites with multimodal capabilities are key to strengthening Canada's supply chain resilience." Since acquiring the site in 2016, BMI has been ready-stating the property, which includes restoring power and upgrading buildings. In September 2024, the project was catalyzed by a $20 million investment from the Northland Participation Fund, a partnership between BMI and Dutch investment group Business EQ. Ontario Northland will upgrade the 11.5 km rail line from Porquis Junction to Iroquois Falls. "We are delighted to support this initiative with track upgrades and look forward to providing BMI's Abitibi Connex with rail services," says Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Northland. "This investment will enhance connectivity and support economic development for Iroquois Falls and businesses throughout the region." The site is being developed in close collaboration with the Town of Iroquois Falls and J.L. Richards & Associates, who lead the master planning process for the former mill and surrounding lands. "Iroquois Falls is proud to partner with BMI. This innovative use of the mill as a logistics base will attract investment, businesses, and jobs to our community," said Tory Delaurier, Mayor of Iroquois Falls. With its strategic location and robust infrastructure, Abitibi Connex is poised to become a critical component of northern Ontario's growing logistics infrastructure. *Abitibi Connex is owned by Iroquois Falls Development Inc., a subsidiary of the BMI Group. Learn more about Abitibi Connex on our website: SOURCE BMI Group View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
