Clement gives the waterfront revitalization project a few FedNor dollars

Minister of FedNor Tony Clement
News Release

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NORTH BAY —The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced today that the Government of Canada, through FedNor, is investing more than $1.8 million in support of five community-based economic development initiatives in the Nipissing—Timiskaming region.

“The announcements made today support the Government of Canada’s vision to strengthen and diversify the economy of the Nipissing–Timiskaming region,” said Minister Clement. “By strategically investing in projects such as North Bay’s waterfront revitalization project, the federal government, through FedNor, is helping to create jobs, promote business development and growth, while generating immediate economic results for the people of Northern Ontario.”

Funding for today’s announcements was provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program and the Government of Canada’s Community Futures Program. The announcements complement measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan to help communities overcome the challenges brought on by the global economic downturn. Initiatives such as the Community Adjustment Fund and Infrastructure Stimulus Fund are important tools in the Government of Canada’s strategy to revitalize the economy of Northern Ontario.

“The economic importance of North Bay’s waterfront revitalization project is vital to the continued growth of this community,” said North Bay Mayor, Vic Fedeli. “Today’s announcements clearly demonstrate that the Government of Canada recognizes the needs of the Nipissing—Timiskaming region and is taking action to strengthen our economy.”

By supporting the economic development of communities and business growth through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

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COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES $1,673,152

City of North Bay

A FedNor investment of $1,500,000 will allow the City of North Bay to complete infrastructure requirements for the final phase of its waterfront development initiative. This project was identified as a strategic priority by the municipality as it will serve as a significant tourism attraction, while supporting the immediate and long-term economic prosperity of the downtown area.
Discovery Routes Trails Organization

This community based not-for-profit organization will receive FedNor funding of $90,000 to develop trail signage standards to ensure a consistent design that is both functional and identifiable as part of the Discovery North’s regional network of trails. This important investment will significantly enhance the quality of the local outdoor trail system, while creating opportunities for businesses looking to capitalize on the natural resources of the region.

Mattawa-Bonfield Economic Development Corporation

The Mattawa-Bonfield Economic Development Corporation will receive $76,000 to hire a consultant to develop and distribute regional marketing and promotional materials designed to strengthen the region’s tourism industry.

Art on Main

FedNor funding of $7,152 will allow Art on Main to complete much needed renovations to create a larger gallery location. Once renovations are complete, the new gallery space will help to stimulate the local economy by creating new opportunities for local artists wishing to use the gallery as their place of business.
SMALL BUSINESS INITIATIVES $130,000

FedNor is committed to supporting community-based economic development efforts that create employment and stimulate growth in Northern Ontario, through partnerships with not-for-profit Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs). FedNor funding will support:

South Temiskaming Community Futures Development Corporation
A FedNor investment of $130,000 will enable the South Temiskaming CFDC to support the activities of Northern Lights Regional Foods Group. Specifically, FedNor funding will allow the organization to support the development of a local foods awareness campaign, coordinate producer participation at several agriculture-related fairs and to organize the Golden Beef Recipe contest as well as a two-day workshop entitled Quest for New Farm Value.

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