Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a total FedNor investment of $677,719 in six projects in support of the tourism industry in Algoma region and Northern Ontario. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
The majority of funding amounts listed below are provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, which invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.
Additional funding is provided through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP), a Government of Canada program through which $108 million will be delivered over 3 years. TGP funds are delivered by Regional Development Agencies and aim to support communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences.
Initiatives supported by FedNor
Great Lakes Cruise Association
$225,000
The Great Lakes Cruise Association is receiving $225,000 to support the implementation of a tourism product development strategy. The project components include the development of shore excursion opportunities, a buy-local program, the development of the "Great Lakes Menu" identifying chefs residing in Northern Ontario port communities, as well as port branding and infrastructure upgrades to enable and encourage port visits by cruise ships.
City of Sault Ste. Marie
$195,000
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is receiving $195,000 to implement the digital tourism strategy developed for the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. This will include new augmented reality and interactive storytelling features connected to the exhibits, new tourism marketing and website, and facility renovations to enable year-round enjoyment of the attractions.
Destination Northern Ontario
$125,000
Destination Northern Ontario (DNO) is receiving $125,000 in support of their Northern Ontario Tourism Research and Marketing Strategy Development Initiative. FedNor funds will enable DNO to identify tourism products and trends in order to inform future campaigns aimed at increasing visitation across Northern Ontario. The project will be carried out in partnership with the municipalities of Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Timmins, and North Bay.
Ontario Culture Days
$58,219
Ontario Culture Days (ONCD) is receiving $58,219 to support the hiring of a communications and events associate youth intern for an 18-month period. The intern will support ONCD's Northern Ontario Network, creating engaging communications to drive cultural tourism, and supporting professional development for arts organizations in the region.
Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association
$39,000
The Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association is receiving $39,000 to support the development of a comprehensive marketing and branding campaign. This project will identify best practices, opportunities, and innovations in food-brand marketing with focuses of high quality and buying local, and will develop those inputs into a multi-year marketing and branding campaign. This investment is expected to increase domestic sales while driving the growth and profitability of the Ontario maple sector.
Algoma Kinniwabi Tourism Association
$35,500
Algoma Kinniwabi Tourism Association is receiving $35,500 to support their Algoma Country cruise ship readiness plan. Specifically, the plan will identify potential tourism assets including marinas, businesses, local transportation, and other attractions. As part of the project, Algoma Kinniwabi will also provide guidance for coordinating with cruise ship tour operators in both Lake Huron - North Channel and Lake Superior - Algoma areas. This investment will help support cruise and land excursions into rural areas and will expand tourism opportunities in the region.
