The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced Government of Canada investments totalling $1,720,064 in support of ten strategic outdoor tourism initiatives across Northern Ontario.
The majority of funding amounts listed below are 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.
Additional funding is 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.
Initiatives supported by FedNor
Camp Dore
$250,000
Camp Dore is receiving a repayable investment of $250,000 to support facility renovations and upgrades. Improvements include electrical, gas, and water infrastructure enhancements, as well as restroom, cabin, and dock expansions and redesigns. This project will help better equip Camp Dore to offer four-season tourism services, supporting it as a year-round destination.
Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls
$249,750
The Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls is receiving an investment of $249,750 to support the development of a multi-use, all-season trail system network. The network will create local tourism opportunities and potential partnerships with local and regional businesses and neighbouring communities. The trail system will include over seven kilometres of trails accessible to all users, as well as a skills park, way-finding signage, a dedicated parking area, and bicycle racks.
Laurentian Ski Hill Snowboarding Club
$220,960
The Laurentian Ski Hill Snowboarding Club is receiving an investment of $220,960 to support the transition of the hill from winter facility to all-season destination. This project includes the addition of and upgrades to existing services, new and improved way-finding signage, and the creation of a space to host events. Potential future events include adventure competitions, obstacle races, running, mountain biking, and hiking.
Municipality of Sioux Lookout
$180,000
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is receiving an investment of $180,000 to support the development of the community's Tourism Diversification and Infrastructure Enhancement Study, as well as the development of an implementation plan. The study will create an action plan to help the community meet its local tourism industry objectives, including identifying local and regional partners and addressing local capacity needs.
Sunset Trail Riders Snowmobile Club
$175,000
Sunset Trail Riders Snowmobile Club (STR) is receiving an investment of $175,000 to support the purchase of equipment and infrastructure improvements to enhance trail management and growth. This project will enable the development of a new 79-kilometre trail connecting STR's existing network with Oak Island, Minnesota, encouraging increased international tourism. Specifically, STR will acquire new trail grooming equipment, the installation of new way-finding signage, and the replacement and improvement of three warming shelters at strategic locations on STR's existing trail network.
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
$167,798
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is receiving an investment of $167,798 to support the maintenance and improvement of the trail bridge located on the Top A trail near the community of Dryden. The trail bridge is a critical piece of the Northwestern Wilderness Loop, a popular regional trail that includes communities such as Kenora, Dryden, and Atikokan. The project will improve safety and user experience by installing a new bridge with expanded decking and guard rails.
Discovery Routes Trails Organization
$130,500
The Discovery Routes Trails Organization is receiving an investment of $130,500 to support the marketing of the all-season North Bay Escarpment Trails. FedNor's funds will enable the development and management of a strategic marketing plan aimed at attracting large markets and maximizing visitor satisfaction.
Northeastern Ontario Tourism
$123,500
Northeastern Ontario Tourism is receiving an investment of $123,500 to support the expansion of snowmobile tourism offerings. This project will specifically allow for the expansion of tours, including the implementation of the Gold Rush tour, a 600 kilometre loop, as well as the smaller Lumberjack Loop. These tours will traverse multiple communities located between Hearst and Temiskaming Shores.
Atikokan Economic Development Corporation
$122,556
The Atikokan Economic Development Corporation is receiving an investment of $122,556 to support the hiring of a tourism development coordinator/economic development officer for a three-year period. The position will help the Town of Atikokan implement its Tourism Atikokan Strategic Plan, a three-year initiative designed to capitalize on projects with a goal of building the community's all-season tourism industry.
Parry Sound Cruise Line
$100,000
Parry Sound Cruise Line (PSCL) is receiving a repayable investment of $100,000 to support expansion of excursion experiences on Georgian Bay. FedNor funds will allow the installation of a dock system, electrical system, and additional lodging at Sandy Island. The Sandy Island site improvements will create a host site from which PSCL will be able to launch tours of Georgian Bay, including guided visits to the many island parks on the bay. This project will also support future year-round operation of the Sandy Island site, including winter excursions.
