Aazhogan Limited Partnership Acquires the International Bridge
Historic announcement sees Canada U.S crossing return to First Nations.
FORT FRANCES, ON, May 20, 2024 /CNW/ - Aazhogan Limited Partnership, a partnership of Rainy River First Nations and The BMI Group, today announced the acquisition of the International Bridge that connects Fort Frances, Ontario and International Falls, Minnesota. The purchase involves the Canadian bridge assets between Fort Frances, Ontario and International Falls, Minnesota.
This transaction secures full ownership of the landmark toll bridge and international border crossing by the two partners. The Aazhogan partners previously purchased the US side in May 2021.
Says Chief Rob McGinnis, Rainy River First Nations; This is a historic day for the people and communities of the Rainy River First Nations. Our ancestors lived on both sides of this river for generations; long before the arrival of settlers and the creation of a border. This was a corridor where families and communities lived, fished, hunted and traded goods. It is a significant moment in our history for this crossing to return to our First Nations people.
The International Bridge is comprised of two side by side bridges, one of steel and the other of concrete, that were constructed in 1908 and 1979, respectively. The bridge is the busiest border crossing in northwestern Ontario and a vital socio-economic linkage between Canada and the United States for visitors and commercial trade.
Says Paul Veldman, President of the BMI Group; We are thrilled to be partners with Rainy River First Nations on the purchase of the bridge. Like the communities, we want to ensure the Bridge remains open for tourism and trade. It is one of the key components for a sustainable economy and will form part of a welcoming experience for everyone who crosses the Bridge into Fort Frances and International Falls.
Continue read on benzinga.com