Magnetawan First Nation hosts a celebration of partnership and a historic new contract

August 29, 2026
From left: Will Bouma, Member of Provincial Parliament; Francois Vachon, President of Colas Canada; Herb Vilneff, Ministry of Transportation; Ryan Essex, President of The Miller Group; Chief William Lloyd Noganosh, Magnetawan First Nation; Chief Adam Pawis, Shawanaga First Nation; Graydon Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament; Honourable George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth; and Scott Aitchison, Member of Parliament.

MAGNETAWAN FIRST NATION (August 25, 2026) — On Thursday, August 20th, Magnetawan First Nation hosted the Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting to launch the Britt Area Maintenance Contract awarded to Shwe Miikaan Miller by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

Shwe Miikaan Miller is a First-Nations-owned and operated company; a partnership between three First Nations – Henvey Inlet, Magnetawan, and Shawanaga – and Miller Paving.

“It was a historic day,” said Magnetawan First Nation Chief William Lloyd Noganosh.

The $43-million contract covers a seven-year period during which Shwe Miikaan Miller will provide year-round maintenance on Highways 69, 522, 529, and 529A, an area roughly mid-point between Sudbury and Parry Sound. This contract will create 15 new jobs as well as economic development opportunities for the three First Nation partners.

Chief Noganosh spoke to people’s concerns about highway safety.

“The Britt Area Maintenance Contract will support safer travel on the road,” said Chief Noganosh. “Through our organization, we will help maintain the highway, identify and respond to changing conditions, and carry out the necessary maintenance work to support the safety of everyone travelling through.”

Among the guests attending the celebration were Shawanaga First Nation Chief Adam Pawis, The Miller Group President Ryan Essex, and the Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth Honourable George Pirie, who along with his remarks, read a letter of congratulations from Premier Doug Ford.

“Today is about more than the launch of a contract. It is about recognizing what can be achieved through a strong partnership built on trust, opportunity, and shared commitment,” said Chief Noganosh. “The new equipment we see here, the jobs and training being created and the capacity being built within our Nations, are all signs of real progress. We are proud of what this partnership has accomplished and look forward to building on it,” he added.

The contract begins this September 1st.

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Media Contact:
Walter Quinlan
Communications Officer
Magnetawan First Nation
Cell.: 705.471.7067
Email : walter.quinlan@magfn.com