Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation

Diverse Projects – Fort Chipewyan AB

Building from an established and positive working relationship, VisionQuest Advisors has been able to deliver on project objectives in this challenging environment where there are no all-weather roads. This has included, for example, supporting the Nation to plan, construct and launch a Grocery Store; to design, construct, and turnover numerous housing units; to plan strategically for the community’s economic development; and to renovate and expand an Elders and Youth Lodge.

These projects have been impactful for the community in diverse ways, from facilitating food security, to creating space for cultural celebration and opportunities for skills development and improving housing quality and accessibility.

Key responsibilities we have delivered on include:

• Identification and implementation of a process to create broad participation and both short-term and long-term benefits
• Feasibility analysis and business planning
• Support to secure financing and funding
• Schedule, budget, and cost-management
• Planning and approvals
• Business launch and operations support (e.g. hiring, special events, marketing, policies and procedures, etc.)
• Procurement services including pre-qualification, tendering, bid analysis, and evaluation of proponents
• Project and construction management

Project Detail and Media:

K’ai Taile Market

VisionQuest took over the project of a new grocery store in August 2017 after difficulty arose with the original contractor.  We hired a new contractor, updated the business plan, completed financing applications, and began excavation on the basement.  By March, the steel frame of the building was erected and a General Manager was hired.  We then held a hiring fair and had 13 staff hired by June.  The soft opening took place August 1, 2018.  This project highlights our ability to gain forward momentum within challenging time and geographical constraints.