FedNor Investments Support Tourism, Infrastructure and Economic Growth in Cochrane and Surrounding Areas

Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP)

FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.

Town of Cochrane
$500,000

An investment of $500,000 through NODP will enable the Town of Cochrane to construct a permanent festival and events pavilion on the shores of Commando Lake. Specifically, this funding will support the design, engineering and construction of the pavilion, as well as extend key services to the development site such as water, electricity and natural gas. The project will include landscaping and environmental improvements, enhancement of existing roadways and pedestrian paths, as well as the installation of fencing, barricades, seating, stage equipment and a sound system. Once complete, the pavilion will feature a shelter for up to 500 people, a permanent kitchen, restrooms, change-rooms and a stage.

Economic Development Initiative (EDI)

FedNor’s Economic Development Initiative is part of the Government of Canada’s Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages, which helps foster the development of new expertise in innovation, economic diversification and business growth in Northern Ontario’s Francophone communities, and supports economic opportunities made possible through linguistic duality.

Town of Cochrane
$192,500

An investment of $192,500 through EDI will enable the Town of Cochrane to implement a regional marketing and promotional campaign to attract Quebec tourists to the area. Designed to further position the region as a premiere tourism destination for off-road motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, and off-trail snowmobiling enthusiasts, this partnership project will enhance tourism and support economic growth in Cochrane, Hearst, Dubreuilville, Kapuskasing and Smooth Rock Falls. This funding will be used to develop new promotional materials, install signage and trail cameras, track trail usage, support tourism operators, encourage regional partnerships and implement a social media and online marketing campaign that aligns with provincial branding for power sports touring.

Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program  (CIP 150)

The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is part of the Government of Canada’s coordinated approach to mark the anniversary of Confederation. The program is designed to leave a lasting legacy in communities across the country by supporting improvements to community infrastructure that provide community and cultural benefits for the public.

Town of Cochrane
$100,000

A CIP 150 investment of $100,000 will enable the Town of Cochrane to enhance and expand its network of bicycle trails. Once complete, this initiative will connect existing cycling routes at Commando Lake's Memorial Park with an existing bike path that runs along Railway Street. Identified as a local priority, this project will enhance tourism and support a strong and healthy community by maximizing the social and economic potential of local infrastructure assets and programs such as Cochrane’s free bikeshare program.