A big economic boost for Sioux Lookout is on the horizon as Hillcrest Hub takes shape, aiming to address the town’s shortage of commercial and retail space.
With the land fully cleared and subsurface infrastructure now in place, Jen Esposito, Sioux Lookout’s Manager of Strategic Initiatives, says businesses and investors now have a prime opportunity to secure space in this strategic location.
“There has been a persistent shortage of available commercial office space, making it challenging for developers to find suitable land for new projects,” Esposito said.
“With obstacles like bedrock and wetlands limiting viable development options, Hillcrest presents a rare and unique opportunity for our community.”
‘Ready to Go:’ Why Hillcrest is a Prime Business Location
Hillcrest Hub is situated just off the highway at the entrance to Sioux Lookout and adjacent to The Sunset Inn & Suites, offering businesses high visibility and accessibility. The development features multiple lots with a shared parking lot maintained by the Municipality, removing burden of snow clearing and maintenance from business owners.
The parcels of land range from small, single-use lots to larger, multi-use sites designed to accommodate a variety of businesses. Lot sizes vary from 4,844 sq. ft. to over 104,000 sq. ft., with prices set at $10 per square foot.
The Municipality has already taken care of pre-development costs at Hillcrest, including land clearing, technical studies, and infrastructure such as hydro and sewer services.
“Businesses only need to construct their building, and they’re ready to go,” Esposito said.
Meeting a Critical Need
Sioux Lookout serves as a regional hub for health and social services, supporting 30 surrounding First Nations communities — an area encompassing approximately 30,000 people.
In the last decade, the town has faced increasing demand for modern commercial and residential infrastructure to support its diverse and growing professional workforce.
“We have a critical shortage of commercial office space and housing,” Esposito said. “With limited options, some homes are being converted into offices, and prime downtown real estate—ideally suited for retail—are instead being used to accommodate the growing demands of expanding offices.”
“We’re at capacity, with organizations offering essential services struggling to find space to expand.”
To help meet the challenge head-on, the Municipality has updated Hillcrest’s zoning, allowing for commercial spaces with secondary residential units. This means businesses can include secondary apartments in their operations, which could benefit healthcare providers, social service agencies, or businesses that need housing for employees or interns.
Ideal Businesses for the Hub of the North
With its role as the “Hub of the North,” Esposito believes health and wellness-focused businesses would thrive in Hillcrest, such as medical equipment suppliers or home healthcare services.
“We have significant gaps in health and wellness businesses,” she said. “Our growing and diverse population needs more support, from a holistic wellness center to additional dental services—even a local veterinarian. These types of businesses would thrive here. Right now, too many residents are forced to travel outside the community for essential care, leading to more time off work and a drain on our local economy.”
Additionally, retail and tourism-focused businesses could capitalize on Sioux Lookout’s influx of visitors, which includes over 10,000 American tourists every summer and nearly 400 daily visitors from remote communities in the province’s far north. The town is also short on hotels, restaurants, and entertainment making hospitality investments a promising opportunity.
How to Get Involved
Investors and business owners interested in Hillcrest Hub can find a detailed development package online, which outlines pricing, site guidelines, and application requirements.
The Municipality is currently accepting applications until March 3, with approvals expected at the May 21 and June 18 Council meetings.
“We have had many promising conversations with businesses and developers over the past year,” Esposito said. “We anticipate seeing projects getting off the ground by the end of this summer.”
For more information or to apply, visit Sioux Lookout’s Available Lands page.