Councillor Karen Narvie – Community Update

Over the past two years and four months, my focus has been on supporting major projects and partnerships connected to the Port of Belledune and regional economic development. I am currently involved in 11 active projects and serve on three key committees.

This committee brings together leadership from Ugpi’ganjig, Pabineau, and Belledune. We meet regularly to discuss shared interests, port activity, and development opportunities. Chief Chris and Chief Jake have both participated during my time on the committee.

After two years of strong advocacy for our land and our rights, the Port of Belledune has agreed to create a shared economic development entity with Ugpi’ganjig and Pabineau. Any company that comes into the port will see land revenue or leasing arrangements shared between the three partners. The port will receive a slightly larger portion, but this structure ensures long term benefit and recognition of our territory. Work on this entity is ongoing.

The port continues to attract growing interest from companies in the energy, infrastructure, and innovation sectors because of its deep water access, rail capacity, and year round operations. This activity is opening the door to meaningful opportunities for Ugpi’ganjig.

Several potential initiatives are now being explored that could strengthen the community’s role in regional development. These include cleaner and more efficient energy options, technologies that support long term power reliability, and new forms of industry that align with future economic trends. Each of these opportunities offers pathways for revenue sharing, employment growth, training partnerships, and increased involvement in decision making around projects taking place on our territory.

Many concepts are still in early stages, with feasibility work, discussions, and planning underway. However, the momentum at the port shows a clear shift toward greater recognition of Ugpi’ganjig’s rights, its land, and its leadership role in shaping how development moves forward. This growing engagement positions our community to benefit more directly from long term economic activity in the region.

This year, Chief Chris, Councillor Daniel, and I visited a data center in Moncton during the North Shore Indigenous Led Energy Symposium. This helped us better understand opportunities tied to energy, storage, and digital infrastructure.

We also continue to meet frequently with companies, consultants, and port leadership. Many sessions happen outside regular hours because of the level of interest in developing at the port.

To give a sense of the pace:

• travel for multi day sessions on mining, energy, and SMR development

• evening meetings with industry during conferences

• multiple back to back presentations

• follow up sessions with companies looking to locate at Belledune

• travel between Ugpi’ganjig, Pabineau, the Port of Belledune, and regional events

It is a demanding schedule but the work is meaningful and brings long term opportunity for our community. I truly enjoy this work and the progress we are making.

I also want to thank Chief Chris for his constant mentorship and support throughout these projects. His guidance has been very important for all of us.