Government of Canada invests over $10.9 million in community infrastructure to fuel revitalization efforts across Northern Ontario
News release
FedNor investments support 29 initiatives designed to help municipalities, organizations and First Nation communities rebound from the impacts of COVID-19, creating 121 construction jobs and 10 full-time and one part-time position
February 18, 2022 – Thunder Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Shared public spaces are at the heart of municipalities and Indigenous communities across Canada. They draw in residents and visitors alike, supporting local businesses and jobs. In Northern Ontario, as in so many places across Canada, these spaces have seen a significant reduction in use as Canadians took precautions to stay safe from COVID-19.
The Government of Canada recognizes that Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Superior North, announced Government of Canada investments totalling $10,901,275 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for 29 projects in support of municipalities, organizations and First Nation communities across Northern Ontario. These investments will also create 121 construction jobs, as well as 10 full-time and one part-time position. For the full list of projects, please see backgrounder.
The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The Fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. As public health restrictions ease, the Government of Canada remains committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This, in turn, will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.
Quotes
“These strategic investments demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to support economic development in communities of every size, in every region of Northern Ontario. We have helped put small and medium-sized businesses on the road to recovery. Now it’s time to invest in the shared public spaces that will safely bring people together and help communities grow and thrive well into the future.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Superior North
“Building up community infrastructure is vital to the long-term success of Thunder Bay, municipalities and First Nation communities across Northwestern Ontario. In addition to the regional benefits of today’s announcement, we are pleased that $1.2 million will support our downtown revitalization project and the construction of an all-season racquet-sport facility here at home in Thunder Bay.”
- Bill Mauro, Mayor of Thunder Bay
“I am pleased that FedNor is helping to maximize the social and economic benefits of our green spaces by assisting with the construction of our local playground and splash pad. The funding announced today will benefit the Wahgoshig First Nation and Indigenous communities across the region by helping us build and revitalize our local infrastructure so we can welcome people back to public spaces safely.”
- Chief June Black, Wahgoshig First Nation
“This FedNor investment will help us transform the heart and soul of our community with strategic upgrades to the Main Street and Kent Park areas. Revitalizing the downtown core will allow us to improve accessibility and access to local businesses and public spaces, while creating a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.”
- Karin Terziano, Mayor of Huntsville
Quick facts
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CCRF funding will support two major streams of activity:
- adapt community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public-health guidelines,
- build or improve community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in and explore their communities and regions
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Eligible recipients include not-for-profit organizations; rural, municipal or regional governments; Indigenous groups and communities; and public sector bodies that provide municipal-type infrastructure.
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Priority may be given to projects that encourage the participation of underrepresented groups and take into consideration the unique challenges of rural and remote communities.
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Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery in the region. Application intake is open in Northern Ontario through FedNor for the Jobs and Growth Fund, Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative and Tourism Relief Fund.
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Associated links
Contacts
Alison Murphy, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
Alison.Murphy@sac-isc.gc.ca
Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957
barclay.babcock@ised-isde.gc.ca
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