May 31, 2025 | Key individuals that took part in the official breaking of ground included (from left) MP Marcus Powlowski (Thunder Bay-Rainy River), future Pennock Village residents Chris and Audrey Grootenboer, project lead James Collie, and Oliver Paipoonge Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis.
“Its been a journey – a long journey for me – thinking about this and getting us to this point. This is a special moment in the life of this project – this is a community project that many of you have been involved in. To me, it’s exciting!” began James Collie, project lead, who made introductions at the recent Breaking Ground Ceremony for Pennock Village at the Crossroads. “I believe in it, just as hopefully you believe in it, and to me I’m feeling that sense by seeing everybody here. I love this,” he continued.
Over 100+ joined together on Saturday, May 31st, 2025, for the first public event announcing the commencement of construction towards physical development. Enthusiasm was apparent among those in attendance, which included interested seniors and their families, project advisors, sponsor representatives, and associated volunteers. Attendees were given an overview of development plans – past, present and future – by Collie himself. Following were words of support from dignitaries MP Marcus Powlowski (Thunder Bay-Rainy River) and Mayor of Oliver Paipoonge Lucy Kloosterhuis.
An official ceremony was held, and information displays were available for viewing including site plans, floor plans, sponsor recognition and an overview of the interior & exterior details of the Garden Homes (Duplexes), to be built in the coming months. Refreshments were provided to compliment auspicious conversation and cooperative weather conditions. Overall, the Board was very pleased with the turnout.
“It’s been an adventure and a journey and it’s really a joy to see such a crowd come out and support us on this happy day,” commented Peggy Brekveld, one of six directors on the volunteer, not-for-profit Board, which has overseen the growth of the project for over three years.
The goal this year has been to press towards the construction of the first two Garden Homes (four units), settling the first Residents in by late 2025. The ultimate long-term goal – to add an assisted living facility.
“Don’t be shy in stepping forward. There’s a lot of people that I’ve asked to step forward with me and virtually every one of them has said yes, on some scale, small or bigger. And I find that just to be an amazing thing. So, I call everybody to step forward and seize a moment, whatever that moment is for you, in your family, or your community, or your business… seize moments. Moments are hugely important to drive things forward, so again, I appreciate you being here in this moment,” added Collie.
The Board would like to thank all who took the time to come out and attend the event, as well as the greater community for its ongoing support of the Pennock Village development these past months and years.
“It’s about sharing in the moment here today. I think you all have come, whether you’ve come out of curiosity, or you’re a part of the project, a board member, a building person, contractor, family… but this is a special moment, and I would go as far to say a historical moment…I’m here to tell you that this project is going to happen.”