Government of Canada injects $500,000 in Sault Ste. Marie’s downtown revitalization plan
News release
FedNor investments to help create 6300-square-metre Civic Plaza and up to 46 construction jobs
January 21, 2021 – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Strong communities are one of the key pillars of thriving local economies, which is why the government is working closely with its many partners at the community level to help them attract investment, diversify the regional economy and create jobs. Through its Regional Development Agencies, such as FedNor, the Government of Canada is investing to strengthen rural communities and enable their residents to pursue meaningful careers and enjoy a high quality of life for generations to come.
Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $500,000 to help the City of Sault Ste. Marie build new infrastructure and community assets designed to attract newcomers, stimulate investment and increase local and regional tourism. The new plaza will be the centerpiece among several key tourism sites and waterfront/marina amenities in the city’s downtown core and will serve as a catalyst for new private investment in the area.
Provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, this targeted investment will be used to design and build a public gathering spot, event space and recreational area for residents and visitors. Among other things, the plaza will encompass summer and winter amenities including a major dual-purpose splash pad/skating rink, performance stage, space for gathering and viewing of performances, public washrooms, and mechanical facilities. This project is expected to create 46 full-time equivalent construction jobs.
Today’s announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada’s commitment to building stronger communities by supporting Sault Ste. Marie’s efforts to add to its downtown attractions and attract visitors throughout all four seasons.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to building strong communities from coast to coast. Helping them diversify their economies, attract investment and stimulate growth makes strong economic sense. That is why we are proud to support the downtown revitalization initiative in Sault Ste. Marie. Today’s investment will serve as a catalyst for growth, attracting newcomers and increasing traffic to the downtown core.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
“The City Plaza in Sault Ste. Marie will give residents and tourists alike another reason to visit and spend time and money in the city’s downtown core. This type of development is an amenity-led economic development strategy which will attract higher incomes, boost property values and increase investment. Our government is proud to support initiatives that will drive private sector growth and result in job creation.”
- Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
“I want to recognize the Government of Canada and FedNor for investing in an exciting project for our community. The plaza will be a four-season community space that connects the waterfront and the downtown area, and will serve as a gathering space that increases activity in the downtown area; which we hope will drive more investment and assessment growth. This financial support represents a significant step forward towards fulfilling our vision for the downtown.”
- Christian Provenzano, Mayor, City of Sault Ste. Marie
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program which supports projects that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.
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Since December 2015, FedNor has approved 154 community economic development projects by municipalities and First Nations with a value of $46.9 million.
Associated links
Contacts
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca
Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-971-4112
kim.fewchuk@canada.ca
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