Virtual Participants:
Top Row (Left) - Rene Bazinet, President, Dawson Citizens Improvement Association
Top Row (Middle) - Jon Cada, MFN EcDev
Top Row (Right) - Lucie Perreault, Director Program Delivery, FedNor
Middle Row (Left) - Sally Hagman, Mayor, Town of Blind River
Middle Row (Centre) - Karen Bittner, Town of Blind River
Middle Row (Right) - Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, Parliamentary Secretary to
The Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedNor)
Bottom Row (Left) - Maja Mielonen, President, Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates
Bottom Row (Right) - Chief Reg Niganobe of the Mississauga First Nation
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
News Release
For Immediate Release
Government of Canada invests in tourism infrastructure to support jobs, growth and a strong recovery in the Algoma and Manitoulin regions
FedNor injects more than $473,000 in support of three tourism initiatives in Northcentral Ontario
May 28, 2021 – Meldrum Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Canada's tourism sector is an essential contributor to the Canadian economy. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector was generating $102 billion in annual economic activity, 1.8 million jobs and accounted for over two percent of GDP. However, the sector has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. During these challenging times, the Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to ensure that tourism businesses and organizations, as well as municipalities and Indigenous communities dependent on the sector, are resourced and ready to start back up as our economy reopens.
In recognition of National Tourism Week, which run from May 23 to 30, Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $473,000 to enhance tourism in Northcentral Ontario.
Provided through FedNor, this funding will support three tourism-related initiatives in the Algoma and Manitoulin regions. The investment will help improve tourism offerings, build new infrastructure and support the long-term growth and sustainability of the region’s tourism industry.
- Dawson Citizens Improvement Association: $254,700 will be used to upgrade and restore the Meldrum Bay marina boardwalk, wharf and docks. To help attract American boaters and encourage extended stays, this strategic investment will also support the installation of three fully serviced docks that will accommodate larger vessels (over 40 feet).
- Town of Blind River: $155,000 to implement the next phase of its comprehensive waterfront and downtown revitalization project and help maximize the tourism and economic potential of its waterfront development area, including the construction of a new boardwalk and pavilion, and marketing to promote the site as inclusive and fully accessible.
- Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates: $64,200 to improve cycling infrastructure on Manitoulin Island, creating a network of 20 electric bicycles (e-bikes) for rent and build seven quick charging stations in strategic locations across Manitoulin Island, which features 14 cycling routes totalling over 850 kilometers.
Together, these projects are expected to create three new jobs and maintain five tourism-related jobs.
Today’s announcement builds on the investments proposed as part of Budget 2021 totalling $1 billion over three years in support of the tourism sector. This includes the creation of a $500-million Tourism Relief Fund, administered by the regional development agencies, to support investments by local tourism businesses to help them recover from the pandemic and position themselves for future growth.
Quotes
“Canada’s tourism sector and those whose livelihoods depend on it have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and I want them to know that we’re here for them. The Government of Canada has provided support to businesses and workers across the tourism sector since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to provide support to ensure these businesses have what they need to get through COVID-19 and succeed as our economy reopens.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Today’s announcement will help Algoma and Manitoulin’s local tourism sector launch a strong recovery and enjoy sustainable growth when travel restrictions ease and our communities welcome visitors once again. Our government is intensifying its efforts, through FedNor, to protect and create jobs, and further positioning Northern Ontario as a world-class destination with so many experiences, attractions and wide-open spaces to discover.”
- Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Our government is helping to build the economy of the future by supporting Sudbury and Nickel Belt’s best and brightest as they cultivate their ideas, develop new products and launch successful businesses. Today’s announcement will provide a big boost for innovative and technology-focused entrepreneurs looking to grow, create jobs and take their business or idea to the next level.”
- Dawson Citizens Improvement Association
“I am proud to say Greater Sudbury is home to a number of highly skilled entrepreneurs, all motivated to share their ideas and products with the community. After more than a year of monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 in the community, I am sincerely grateful for this investment from FedNor and the Federal Government and anticipate a future of economic growth in the North. Today’s announcement symbolizes a commitment to strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy, and a path towards accessible mentorship, workspaces, and equipment for local start-ups.”
- Mayor Sally Hagman, Town of Blind River
“The Greater Sudbury Development Corporation represents a variety of business sectors with a common goal of supporting economic growth in our community. Attracting talented, creative workers from beyond our municipal borders will be a tremendous social and economic benefit to our city, and we are deeply appreciative that Greater Sudbury has been selected to participate in this program.”
- Maja Mielonen, President, Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates
Quick facts
- Tourism Week, May 23-30, 2021, is a seven-day event to recognize Canada’s tourism economy, and the impact it has on every community across the country. This year, it aims to recognize the resilience of the industry through this unprecedented time.
- The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s programs, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
Associated links
- Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience
- Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
- Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
- To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca
- Follow us on Twitter @FedNor
- Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
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Contacts
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957
Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada