Government of Canada invests over $4.5 million to enhance tourism across Northern Ontario
Backgrounder
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced Government of Canada investments totalling $4,571,673 for 22 tourism projects across Northern Ontario. The funding is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) and the Tourism Growth Program (TGP).
Tourism Initiatives Funded by FedNor in Northwestern Ontario
Lake of the Woods Brewing Company
$976,852
A non-repayable FedNor investment of $976,852 will support two tourism initiatives with the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company (LOWBrew). Funded through the TGP $750,328 will be used by LOWBrew to renovate and equip a new manufacturing facility in Kenora. Once complete, the facility will allow LOWBrew to reintegrate production, increase capacity, reduce shipping and production costs, while sourcing more materials from producers nearer to Kenora. The remaining $226,524 was used to establish the Brewer’s Village. Located outside LOWBrew’s new manufacturing facility, the Brewer’s Village is the ultimate tourism attraction for beer enthusiasts, social butterflies, and outdoor aficionados living, working or visiting the Thunder Bay region.
Rossport Harbour Non-Profit Marina Inc.
$250,000
A non-repayable FedNor contribution of $250,000 through TGP is being used by Rossport Harbour Non-Profit Marina Inc. to complete critical infrastructure upgrades and improvements to the local marina. Identified as a strategic priority in the organization’s Marine Asset Management Plan, this project will ensure the marina is safe and functional for the next three to four years, or until a new dock can be constructed. Specifically, the funding will support structural and safety upgrades to the docks and removal of derelict sections including two fuel tanks, pumps, lines and valves. The project will also support environmental protection activities and a new foundation for the boat launch.
Coopérative Centre Francophone De Thunder Bay Inc.
$214,624
The Coopérative Centre Francophone De Thunder Bay (CCFTB) is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $214,624 through the NODP to support the continuation and expansion of the local francophone festival, Festival BONJOUR. This project will allow CCFTB to hire a consultant to assess previous iterations of the festival as well as a part-time project coordinator to support festival activities, contribute to event costs, purchase and store festival equipment, and develop the capacity of dedicated staff and organization members. This investment will help support greater economic development by attracting more tourists while also creating impacts for local businesses and participating community organizations.
City of Kenora
$125,000
The City of Kenora is receiving a FedNor investment of $125,000 to develop detailed design and specifications for the development of a new harbourfront pavilion on the shores of Lake of the Woods. The goal of the project is to replace the Thistle Pavilion that nearing its life expectancy. Identified as a strategic priority in the community’s five-year tourism and economic development strategy, the new pavilion will pave the way for more tourism and special events at the waterfront in downtown Kenora.
Atikokan Economic Development Corporation
$112,500
To enhance tourism and economic activity in Atikokan, FedNor is investing $112,500 to help the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation can purchase a three-season 50 x 140-foot festival and events tent. The funding will also support the purchase of tables and sound equipment to ensure maximum use and flexibility. The new structure will help attract more tourists and large-scale events to the community and create new opportunities in the shoulder seasons.
Rainy River Future Development Corporation
$99,000
To help strengthen the region’s tourism sector a non-repayable FedNor investment of $99,000 will help the Rainy River Future Development Corporation implement the Fort Frances Tourism Development Marketing Plan. This priority project will increase marketing and support tourism development and growth. The goal of the project is to enhance the community’s image as an appealing tourism destination so they can attract more visitors and encourage extended overnight stays that lead to increased tourism spending. In addition, this priority project will help the town of Fort Frances and the region in their efforts to capitalize on the half-million annual crossings at the international border, where their downtown is strategically situated.
Township of Nipigon
$16,991
A non-repayable FedNor investment of $16,991 will allow the Township of Nipigon to design, construct, and install two interactive tourism information kiosks. To maximize their tourism potential, the kiosks will be located in the lobby of the Nipigon Community Centre and at the Bridgeport Lookout Tower. The new kiosks aim to modernize the visitor experience and provide information on local history, culture, attractions and businesses, such as business directories, and information related to fairs, markets, festivals, and recreational activities, including driving directions. Funded through the NODP, the kiosks will be capable of personalizing recommendations based on the interests, preferences, and location submitted by users.
Tourism Initiatives Funded by FedNor in Northeastern Ontario
Timmins Festivals and Events Committee
$391,820
To help maximize the tourism and economic potential of the region, FedNor is providing $391,820 to the Timmins Festivals and Events Committee so they can purchase a professional concert stage and mobile event trailers. Specifically, the funding will be used to purchase a 40-by-40-foot mobile stage and two 12-by-40-foot portable office trailers. Not only will the new equipment support and amplify high-profile events such as Rock on the River (ROTR), it will also provide the organization with a new revenue stream when the new equipment is rented for use by partners and surrounding communities for regional festivals and events.
Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre
$250,000
The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $250,000 to create the Love Muskoka Sustain Muskoka tourism exhibit. Provided through the TGP, this inclusive tourist attraction will help educate visitors of all ages on how to live more sustainably, combat climate change and protect the environment. With interactive features and compelling educational content, guests will learn positive changes they can make at home and in their community to support a cleaner and greener future. Over the next five years, this project is expected to help create four full-time jobs and maintain 10 more.
Four Corners Contracting Inc.
$212,500
Four Corners Contracting is receiving a fully repayable FedNor investment through the TGP of $212,500 to develop a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to support new tourism offerings in Northern Ontario. Specifically, the funding is being used to construct a 2,000 square-foot facility with indoor learning spaces such as a classroom, construction shop, culinary spaces and artisan studios to support fibre arts, blacksmith activity as well as clay and woodworking areas. Once complete, the new facility will promote economic, environmental and cultural sustainability, as well as year-round in-door and outdoor tourism experiences designed to attract tourists and guests year-round.
Magnetawan River Resort (Cornerstone Properties Britt)
$202,500
A repayable FedNor investment of $202,500 will help transform the Magnetawan River Resort into an all-season facility. The project includes upgrading existing cottages, installing new heating systems and completing electrical, water, septic and road enhancements. Provided through FedNor’s TGP, the funding will also be used to purchase snow maintenance equipment and create up to 10 new overnight RV sites. This project is expected to create two full-time jobs and five additional employment opportunities during the construction phase.
Village of South River
$189,000
The Village of South River is receiving a non-repayable TGP funding of $189,000 to refurbish the South River Train Station. This FedNor investment will help the community to maximize its tourism potential by capitalizing on opportunities created by the return of Ontario Northland passenger rail services to South River. Specifically, the funding will be used to transform this historic facility into a fully accessible building with new washroom and upgraded amenities such as wi-fi and interpretative displays, while retaining the postcard charm of the original 1885 train station.
Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corporation
$180,000
The Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corporation is receiving a non-repayable NODP contribution of $180,000 to undertake a 280-kilometre expansion of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail (GLWT). Specifically, the funding will support design, implementation, marketing, and new signage for the trail expansion. This strategic initiative will deliver tourism benefits to 11 communities in the Muskoka and Parry Sound districts by leveraging the popularity of the 3200-kilometre GLWT cycling trail, which links over 100 points of interest and amenities, and connects 170 partner communities from Quebec to Sault Ste. Marie. Once complete, the expanded trail network will not only attract more outdoor enthusiasts to the region, but it will also help attract major cycling events to the area such as the 2027 Great Waterfront Trail Adventure.
The Chalets on Lake Muskoka
$152,000
The Chalets on Lake Muskoka is receiving a repayable TGP investment of $152,000 to complete infrastructure upgrades and purchase new equipment to increase occupancy and enhance the guest experience. Specifically, the funding is being used to build self-contained cabins with kitchenettes and fireplaces, upgrade the septic system, install a new sauna and establish vehicle charging stations. Once complete, this project will help enhance the resort’s appeal as a year-round destination for families, couples, individuals or large groups.
Muskoka Chautauqua
$100,000
To strengthen the economy and attract more visitors during the off-season, Muskoka Chautauqua is receiving $100,000 to create, improve and deliver 40 tourism events and experiences. Over a 15-month period, the organization will coordinate gallery exhibitions and workshops, book signings, walking tours, concerts, film screenings, cultural, environmental and educational events and more. Funded through FedNor’s TGP, this project is expected to attract close to 3,000 visitors and generate more than $1 million in economic benefits for the region.
Town of Parry Sound
$60,000
A FedNor investment of $60,000 is helping the Town of Parry Sound complete a comprehensive Waterfront Development Plan. Once complete, the plan will provide an economic roadmap to guide development and growth in the community and along the shores of the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, known as the 30,000 Islands. Funded through the NODP, this priority project supports the Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario by helping to build stronger communities by investing in economic development capacity in the region.
Township of South Algonquin
$55,000
A FedNor investment $55,000 helped the Township of South Algonquin complete a master plan to help the community identify and advance economic development and tourism priorities. The plan will help guide future development and tourism growth that aligns with township’s recently completed Strategic Plan.
Tourism Initiatives Funded by FedNor in Northcentral Ontario
Culinary Tourism Alliance
$366,300
The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) is receiving $366,300 to support a three-year culinary and agri-tourism partnership program with Destination Northern Ontario. The goal of the project is to expand programs offered by CTA that are helping to increase the number of tourism operators benefiting from culinary tourism opportunities. Key activities for the project include providing learning and capacity-building activities for the tourism sector, sharing best practices and promoting Northern Ontario’s culinary and agritourism offerings by creating high-quality content to distribute through traditional and social media platforms.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Ontario
$250,011
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Ontario is receiving FedNor funding of $250,011 to develop and implement a tourism corridor strategy to accelerate Indigenous tourism in Northern Ontario. Designed to attract visitors from south of Muskoka to the Manitoulin and Sault Ste. Marie corridor, the strategy will promote Indigenous tourism focused businesses that are visitor-ready. The strategy will include three key studies: a corridor strategy, implementation and sustainability report, and a business case for development/future investment in tourism along the corridor. At least 15 Indigenous-owned businesses in Northern Ontario will be directly supported to showcase cultural heritage and develop market-ready products as part of the corridor development.
Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates
$112,500
To help boost tourism in the region, the Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $112,500 to create a best-in-class mountain bike park. The new park will be located at the Nordic Ski Club’s 80-acre facility, thus transforming the area into a four-season destination. The park will be engineered and built to International Mountain Bike Association standards and will complement the existing cycling tourism products which include e-bikes and chargers and over 850 kilometers of off-road and paved routes along Manitoulin’s beautiful roadways.
Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands
$42,575
FedNor is investing $42,575 through its NODP to help Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands maximize the tourism and economic potential of its Home, Cottage & Culinary Show (HCCS). Identified as a local priority, the funding will be used to purchase an accessible portable stage, sound system and generator to enhance the 2025 HCCS experience and reduce costs for future municipal and community-led events. These assets will also improve the visitor experience, encourage return visits and increase economic activity through visitor spending in the region.
