Government of Canada Invests Nearly $600,000 to Create Jobs and Accelerate Business and Economic Growth in Northwestern Ontario

News Release

April 19, 2017 – Dryden, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor

The Government of Canada is investing $598,641 to support business growth and development, job creation, increased tourism, innovation and economic diversification in the City of Dryden and across Northwestern Ontario. Of the total, a FedNor investment of $320,000 will support the ongoing operations of Patricia Area Community Endeavours (PACE) for a one-year period. The remaining $278,641 will enable the City of Dryden to hire an economic development officer to pursue a variety of economic development opportunities over a three-year period.

The Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor. Together, these priority initiatives will help diversify the local economy, provide quality employment opportunities, foster commercial and industrial business growth, strengthen regional collaboration, promote tourism, and help the region pursue additional opportunities in agri-food, forestry and mining.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is focused on helping to build strong, sustainable communities that support a vibrant middle-class. The funding announced today will create a stronger, more innovative and diversified regional economy that delivers positive results for people, businesses and communities throughout the area."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

"I am proud to be part of a government that recognizes the unique needs of Northwestern Ontario in order to strengthen communities and accelerate growth in all corners of the region. Investing in the Patricia Area Community Endeavours (PACE) and the new economic development officer will help the City of Dryden foster strong business growth and diversify the local economy now and in the future."

The Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora

"These investments demonstrate that the Government of Canada understands the challenges facing our region and recognizes that small businesses are the driving force behind our economy. On behalf of the City of Dryden, I would like to thank FedNor for investing in these priority projects that will help us work with our entrepreneurs, local businesses, and community partners for sustainable growth and economic prosperity for years to come."

Greg Wilson, Mayor of the City of Dryden

Quick Facts

  • Funding announced today for PACE is provided through the Government of Canada’s Community Futures Program (CFP) delivered in Northern Ontario through FedNor.

  • PACE is one of 24 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) funded by FedNor to serve Northern Ontario businesses and communities. CFDCs are community-based, not-for-profit organizations run by volunteer boards and staffed by experienced business and economic development professionals.

  • Funding announced today for Dryden’s economic development officer is provided through FedNor’s Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario (CIINO), which enables recipient communities and First Nations to increase the number of community and/or regional economic development initiatives implemented, leading to increased business investment, job creation, and increased regional collaboration and partnerships among communities.

Associated Links

Contacts

Paul Denis
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-507-0539
paul.denis@canada.ca

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2026-05-05