Government of Canada supports Thunder Bay winter tourism industry with $200,000
FedNor funds help support seasonal events including SnowDay on the Waterfront
Thunder Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Winter is a season that defines us in Thunder Bay. From the crunch of fresh snow underfoot to the sparkle of ice on the waterfront, we share a deep love for the beauty and adventure this season brings.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North, today announced a FedNor investment of $230,821 in the City of Thunder Bay’s winter tourism programming. The funds will help the community increase active outdoor experiences and extend the tourism season.
The FedNor investment supports the City of Thunder Bay’s SnowDay on the Waterfront, a community event including public art, as well as snowshoeing, skating, ice fishing, and games. This investment aims to connect more people with nature and experience the best of what our community has to offer during these colder months.
In addition, part of the funding helped support the City of Thunder Bay in hosting the 2024 Ontario Winter Games, which, as the largest multi-sport event in the province, brought thousands of athletes and other visitors to the city in February of 2024.
Quotes
“Tourism provides a wide range of economic benefits to communities, and so investments like this have a wide range of impacts. Thunder Bay is a special place and this project will help locals and visitors experience it as a winter wonderland full of beauty and excitement. Community is at the centre of our lives, and that is why we support projects that help build both the local economy and culture.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for FedNor
“Thunder Bay is a four-season destination, and winter activities for all ages are key to our approach. With FedNor’s generous support, we’ve hosted events like the Ontario Winter Games, which brought thousands to our city, and SnowDay on the Waterfront, celebrating the season with snow sculptures, skating, and more. We’re grateful for this investment in our community, helping us offer exciting winter experiences that attract visitors and strengthen our cultural hub.”
– Ken Boshcoff, Mayor, City of Thunder Bay
Quick facts
- The City of Thunder Bay is the second most populous city in Northern Ontario, with over 120,000 people residing in the metropolitan area.
- The 2025 iteration of the City of Thunder Bay’s annual SnowDay on the Waterfront takes place on February 17th.
- The FedNor funds announced today are provided through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP), a Government of Canada program that will deliver $108 million to tourism projects over three years. TGP funds are delivered by Canada’s 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.
