Government of Canada injects more than $770,000 to stimulate community, business and economic growth across the Kenora region

As we recover from the impact of COVID-19, the Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to support municipalities, as well as rural and Indigenous communities and organizations across the country. We understand every municipality and First Nation has unique needs and we are working at the local level through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies, like FedNor, to support their economic development, business growth and job creation efforts.

Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a FedNor investment of $773,558 in support of three community economic development initiatives in the Kenora region. Provided through FedNor’s Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario (CIINO), the funding will help create jobs, support recovery efforts and maximize economic development and growth opportunities in Northwestern Ontario.

Community economic development initiatives supported by FedNor

Obashkaandagaang First Nation (OFN)
$270,000

To help create local jobs and opportunities, OFN will receive FedNor funding of $270,000 to develop a strategic plan and implement recommendations that will drive immediate and future growth in the community. Specifically, this targeted investment will enable the First Nation to hire an Economic Development Officer (EDO) for a three-year period. While on the job, the EDO will pursue on-reserve development opportunities such as establishing internet and home construction businesses, as well as developing a marina and retail complex.

Municipality of Machin
$258,458

A FedNor investment of $258,458 will enable the Municipality of Machin to hire an EDO to implement priority projects identified in its five-year strategic plan. The successful candidate will be responsible for a variety of activities such as tourism and waterfront development, event planning, investment attraction and commercial growth. Once complete, this three-year initiative is expected to entice new businesses and investment to the area, increase tourism, create a series of local events, and attract and retain newcomers to support population and economic growth.

City of Dryden
$245,100

To support ongoing community development, growth and job creation in the City of Dryden, FedNor funding of $245,100 will allow the city to extend its EDO position for an additional three years. Building on the success of phase one of the initiative, the EDO will focus on COVID-19 recovery efforts, tourism, branding and economic strategies, workforce attraction and waterfront development. Over the past three years, the EDO supported 29 business start-ups, commercial land development and helped create a series of strategic plans to guide local long-term decision-making regarding community economic development, growth and sustainability.

Related Products

• News release: Government of Canada invests to create jobs, growth and maximize economic development opportunities throughout the Kenora region

Associated Links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor
• Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)