Fort Frances-area Indigenous communities and families will benefit from upgraded community infrastructure for a better quality of life
News Release
$469,300 from the Government of Canada will support four projects in Northwestern Ontario
August 25, 2017 – Fort Frances, ON - Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Indigenous communities and families in Northwestern Ontario will benefit from key upgrades to the local road network and local cultural spaces as a result of more than $469,000 from the Government of Canada.
The funding was announced today by Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Of the total FedNor funding, $200,000 is being provided through its Northern Ontario Development Program, to the Mitaanjigamiing First Nation to support the realignment of unsafe sections of the main access road into the community. This will help widen and increase the capacity of the access road, allowing construction, mining, tourism and forestry businesses easier access to the community.
The remaining $269,300 under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, will assist the Couchiching First Nation, Rainy River First Nation and the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre undertake vital infrastructure upgrades to several community assets.
Quotes
"This investment is a community-building project to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. And there’s no better way to mark this milestone than to celebrate the places that bring us together – the places that allow us to stay fit, unwind, and connect with our friends and neighbours. That’s how we establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship in a country where people come from every corner of the world. The values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define all Canadians are forged in our community spaces."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedNor
"The Government of Canada is investing in key economic priorities and community infrastructure to create a strong middle-class and improve quality of life for local families. Today’s investment will support four strategic projects that will help attract tourists, businesses and jobs to Thunder Bay—Rainy River, and modernize community assets to make them safer and more accessible to everyone."
- Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River
"We appreciate FedNor’s support in helping us complete the realignment of the main access road into our community to allow us to pursue economic development opportunities for our citizens. The support announced today will enable Mitaanjigamiing First Nation, along with Couchiching and Rainy River First Nations, and the Town of Fort Frances, to improve community infrastructure that will benefit the entire region."
- Chief Janice Henderson, Mitaanjigamiing First Nation
Quick Facts
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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.
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The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is a $300-million fund that was established to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday through investments in the community spaces that bring Canadians together. Of that amount, $10.4 million is being invested across Northern Ontario.
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Including the projects supported today, the Thunder Bay—Rainy River region has received a total of $926,185 for 16 projects under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. Additionally, $3 million has been provided in support of 39 Indigenous related projects under the same program across Northern Ontario.
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Contacts
Paul Denis
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-507-0539
paul.denis@canada.ca
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