ABOUT PACE

Patricia Area Community Endeavours Inc. (PACE) is a Community Futures Development Corporation dedicated to fostering local community and economic development in the Patricia Region. Through small business loans, non-profit funding, business counseling, and ongoing support, PACE provides the essential tools to help entrepreneurs and community groups build a brighter economic future.

Serving the communities within the Patricia Region, including Dryden, Eagle Lake First Nation, Ignace, Lac Seul First Nation, Machin, Pickle Lake, Sioux Lookout, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, and surrounding areas, PACE works closely with businesses and organizations to promote growth, sustainability, and opportunity.

PACE is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with diverse expertise in areas including:

  • Tourism

  • Law

  • Real Estate

  • Retail

  • Banking

  • Agriculture

  • Service

  • Self-Employment

  • Management & Human Resources

Our board members live or work across the PACE catchment area, ensuring representation from all communities. PACE also has a dedicated team of full-time, professional staff, led by an Executive Director, to support our mission and operations.

  • MISSION

    Our Why:

    To foster economic growth and community development in the Patricia Region of Northwestern Ontario.

  • VISION

    Our How:

    To empower local businesses and community organizations through strategic support, including small business loans, non-profit funding, mentorship, and entrepreneurial coaching.

INNOVATION

We are strategic and creative when collaborating with our clients.

EMPOWERMENT

We empower individuals by providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed.

OUR CORE VALUES

COMMUNITY FOCUS

We act in the best interest of our clients and community.

INTEGRITY

We conduct business with respect and an open-minded approach.

COLLABORATION

We seek partnerships that strengthen local economic growth and community development.

Our Strategic Plan

The strategic plan for PACE outlines our long-term goals, priorities, and actions to drive community and economic development across the Patricia Region.

The Communities We Serve

Success Stories

  • West End Cannabis

    Nathan Plichta and his team at West End Cannabis Co., located in Vermilion Bay, are recognized for their success in the cannabis industry. Nathan, originally from Red Lake, opened his first retail store in 2020, which quickly became a local favorite. With a growing customer base and a higher-than-average basket size, Nathan expanded to Vermilion Bay, renovating the former Northern Lights Credit Union building into a cannabis retail space. PACE supported the project with funding for the building purchase and renovations, ensuring compliance with cannabis regulations. The store features unique artwork and a "gratitude wall" recognizing contributors. Nathan is committed to supporting the local community and plans to sponsor local events.

  • Old Mill Dental

    Dr. Tracey Guitard, owner of Old Mill Dental in Sioux Lookout, has built a state-of-the-art dental clinic after purchasing the practice in 2021. With a DDS from the University of Buffalo, Dr. Guitard initially worked in Thunder Bay and internationally before settling in Sioux Lookout to address the area's dental service gaps. The clinic features modern equipment and panoramic imaging software, providing care to patients from surrounding communities. PACE supported the clinic's expansion with funding for renovations. Dr. Guitard’s team now includes local professionals and plans to expand services with additional specialists. Her efforts have significantly improved access to dental care in the region, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

  • The Pet Store

    Rhonda Gouilique, owner of The Pet Store in Dryden, has been operating since 2016, growing the business through a combination of her passion for animals and excellent customer service. In 2021, she expanded to a larger location with the help of PACE funding, offering better visibility, more space, and enhanced access for deliveries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business remained steady, even experiencing a higher volume of clients due to an increase in adopted pets. Rhonda added a dog wash station, "The Paw Spa," to meet customer demand. The Pet Store, serving the region between Kenora and Thunder Bay, continues to be a key asset to the Dryden community, and Rhonda plans further growth.

Read Our Annual Report