Leading Indigenous-Inclusive Environmental Solutions Across Canada’s Mining Landscape

Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc. is a Canadian-owned environmental general contractor that thrives where others hesitate—in the remote, rugged, and complex regions of Canada, especially across Northern Ontario. Known for their ingenuity, adaptability, and strong Indigenous partnerships, Milestone specializes in tailored environmental and infrastructure solutions that span the full life cycle of mining operations, providing innovative and customized solutions to manage client’s environmental liabilities and needs.

Founded in 2011, Milestone has grown from a niche contractor to a trusted national player with a reputation for customized, fit-for-purpose project delivery. They have completed over 1,000 projects across Canada, with over 60% delivering benefits to Indigenous communities, and many of their most transformative efforts taking place in the North.

A Northern Focus, A National Impact

Milestone has a strong and growing presence throughout Northern Ontario, with operations and partnerships in Sudbury, Timmins, Thunder Bay, Marathon, Sandy Lake, Wawa, Serpent River, Manitoulin Island, and beyond. The company understands the unique challenges these regions face, from short construction seasons and remote access, to cultural and environmental sensitivities, and they tailor their approach accordingly.

The Milestone team is not just contractors who visit the North, they are long-term partners who work in, with, and for Northern communities. Their teams are equipped to operate in remote, logistically challenging environments and bring the same level of commitment to a small northern camp build as they do to a $90 million legacy mine remediation.

Innovation Without Limits

At Milestone, innovation isn’t a buzzword, it’s how they work: thriving when faced with tough problems that don’t have ready-made solutions. Whether the challenge is a remote location with no grid power, a mine site with extreme contamination and complex stakeholder needs, or infrastructure that must perform in -40°C temperatures, they find a way.

Take their RO Water Treatment Plant project in Northern Ontario: Faced with the need to design, fabricate, and install a fully operational water treatment system at a remote tailings discharge site, Milestone engineered a sophisticated solution featuring self-priming pumps, advanced chemical dosing systems, remote monitoring capabilities, and thermal controls to withstand harsh northern winters. The outcome? A reliable, high-performance treatment system that met stringent discharge criteria for copper and iron—all delivered on time and on budget, despite limited road access and freezing conditions.

This project, like many others, illustrates their ability to deliver customized, technically complex solutions that meet real-world needs while respecting environmental and cultural priorities.

 Custom Solutions for the Entire Mine Life Cycle

Milestone supports mining clients across all phases of the mine life cycle:

Exploration & Development

• Remote camp infrastructure
• Baseline environmental assessments
• Permitting support
• Heavy civil construction

Active Operations

• Tailings management
• Water treatment systems
• Contaminant containment
• Groundwater protection

Closure & Reclamation

• Site decommissioning and demolition
• Environmental remediation
• Engineered containment systems
• Legacy site and risk management

The company is especially proud to be engaged in some of Canada’s most significant remediation projects, such as Giant Mine in the Northwest Territories and Faro Mine in the Yukon—both of which showcase their deep expertise in complex, high-stakes environmental work.

Partnerships That Build More Than Projects

Milestone takes a partnership-first approach, particularly when it comes to working with Indigenous communities. Over 60% of the company’s projects have been delivered in formal collaboration with Indigenous partners, not just as subcontractors—but as co-creators, business partners, and community builders.

They work closely with communities like Wahnapitae First Nation, Mattagami, Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, Temagami First Nation, Serpent River, and Sandy Lake to create training, employment, and mentorship pathways. This includes everything from building local capacity in environmental monitoring and heavy equipment operation to offering business development support for Indigenous enterprises.

Milestone is proud to hold a Bronze Certification in Progressive Indigenous Relations from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), but is even prouder of the relationships that recognition represents. These partnerships are a foundation of their work, not an afterthought—and they’re key to shared long-term success.

Community Investment That Lasts

Beyond the job site, Milestone is committed to making a positive impact in the communities where they work and live. Their support spans national charities, local initiatives, and grassroots programs.

From donating to the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, Moisson Montréal, and Feed Nova Scotia, to launching bursaries for Indigenous students pursuing environmental and trades careers, their focus is on empowering people and strengthening communities.

Their signature event, the Milestone Cup Charity Hockey Tournament, brings together staff, partners, and community members in support of local causes—raising thousands each year for important organizations while fostering connection and team spirit.

Why MineConnect Matters

As a proud MineConnect member, Milestone sees immense value in collaboration, shared learning, and regional advocacy. They are eager to work with like-minded partners across the Northern Ontario mining sector to drive innovation, create opportunities, and deliver smarter environmental solutions for the Mining sector.

“Being part of MineConnect helps us stay connected to local needs, explore joint ventures, and champion the North’s economic development in a responsible, sustainable way,” the team shares.

Looking Ahead: A Cleaner, More Collaborative Future

The future of mining in Canada—especially in the North—will be shaped by those who can adapt quickly, work collaboratively, and deliver sustainable outcomes. Milestone is poised to meet that future head-on.

The company is focused on:

• Expanding their presence in Northern communities
• Helping operators meet evolving environmental standards (including Ontario’s Mine Rehabilitation Code updates)
• Driving reconciliation through meaningful Indigenous engagement
• Investing in technology and training that support next-generation remediation and infrastructure

Above all, they are committed to building better outcomes for land, water, and people. Every project taken on is a chance to do just that.

To learn more about their work, visit www.milestoneenv.ca or reach out to connect with the Milestone team.