W8banaki is proud to announce the beginning of a major expansion project at its offices located in Wôlinak. Since 2007, W8banaki has been in its fifth phase of expansion, thus demonstrating the organization’s ongoing commitment to growth and service to the Abenaki community.
The Trifluvian general contractor, Therrien Inc., has been selected to carry out this large-scale project, with a total investment of 2.8 million dollars. With a total area of almost 10,000 square feet, the new addition to the building will be spread over three floors, including 22 new enclosed offices, providing a modern and functional workspace for W8banaki’s 92 employees. Additionally, with the addition of a childcare facility for employees’ children, this expansion also demonstrates the organization’s commitment to its employees and their families, particularly in a context of childcare shortage, further enhancing W8banaki’s reputation as an employer of choice valuing work-life balance and support for its team.
“This expansion marks a significant milestone for W8banaki,” says Mr. Denys Bernard, the organization’s general manager for nearly 20 years. “Previously, our services were mainly aimed at the communities of the Abenaki Nation, but today, we collaborate with several other First Nations across Quebec as well as municipalities, RCMs, and other organizations in the region.”
Directly linked to W8banaki’s commitment to effectively respond to the growing number of projects and partners, “the expansion of our offices also reflects the expertise of the Abenaki Nation,” Mr. Bernard emphasizes.
Construction work is expected to begin in June 2024 and be completed by May 2025, with no service interruptions planned.