FedNor invests more than $1.7 million in support of tourism to promote a strong recovery and future growth across the Kenora region

Canada's tourism sector is an essential contributor to the Canadian economy. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector was generating $102 billion in annual economic activity, 1.8 million jobs and accounted for over two percent of GDP. However, the sector has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. During these challenging times, the Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to ensure that tourism businesses and organizations, as well as municipalities and Indigenous communities dependent on the sector, are resourced and ready to start back up as our economy reopens.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced more than $1.7 million in financial support for 10 projects through the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund (TRF).

Tourism Relief Fund initiatives supported by FedNor in the Kenora region

Kenora Nordic and Biathlon Club
$500,000

A FedNor investment of $500,000 will enable the Kenora Nordic and Biathlon Club (KNBC) to install permanent LED lighting along a five-kilometre section of its Nordic ski trail system at the Mount Evergreen Ski Area. The new lighting will enhance the user experience by allowing tourists and residents to access the trails after dark in a safe environment. Once complete, these enhancements will help the organization attract regional sporting events to the area, while further positioning KNBC as a primiere tourism destination for Nordic enthusiasts from across Northwestern Ontario, Manitoba and beyond.

Andy Myers Lodge
$500,000

Andy Myers Lodge received a full-repayable FedNor investment of $500,000 to alleviate financial pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, this funding provided liquidity relief to help the Lodge overcome the challenges caused by border closures and provincial COVID-19 restrictions.

Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls
$193,500

A non-repayable FedNor investment of $193,500 through allow the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls to enhance the outdoor grounds of the Northern Ontario Sport Fishing Centre. Specifically, the funding will be used to redesign the outdoor space surrounding the building, design and install interactive displays and natural-themed play structures, and construct accessible pathways as well as a Northern Lights Observation Deck. This strategic initiative will help increase the centre’s draw as a regional tourism attraction, while creating five full-time jobs during the construction phase of the initiative.

Bonny Bay Camp & R.V. Park Ltd. (Bonny Bay Camp)
$100,000

A $100,000 non-repayable FedNor investment through helping Bonny Bay Camp expand and upgrade its marina, three cabins and its RV park. The investment will support activities such as upgrades to the lodge and electrical services, accessibility improvements, installing a new fuel dispensing system, renovations to existing docks, and the installation of four roll-in docks and four new boat lifts. Once complete, this strategic initiative will allow Bonny Bay Camp to extend its operating season while increasing revenue and tourism offerings in the region.

Lac Seul Floating Lodges
$100,000

Lac Seul Floating Lodges received a $100,000 non-repayable contribution from FedNor to construct a new all-season waterfront facility. To be completed Fall 2022, the new facility will allow the organization to expand its operating season and maintain operations in pandemic conditions. The new facility will be fully heated, feature laundry and cleaning areas to support increased sanitization measures, and include separate staff areas and a fully accessible gender neutral public washroom.

Indian Point Camp
$87,734

FedNor funding of $87,734 is helping Indian Point Camp diversify and expand its operations to increase capacity, revenue and maximize the economic potential of its marina and tourism offerings. Specifically, this non-repayable investment is being used to install a well, water hook-ups and electrical service, as well as construct an access road and 16 fully-serviced RV lots with lake views.

Lac Seul Evergreen Lodge
$79,375

Lac Seul Evergreen Lodge is receiving a non-repayable FedNor contribution of $79,375 to help expand its operations and extend its operating season. Specifically, the funding will be used to purchase equipment, relocate three existing cabins and construct a new fully-accessible cabin at its location on Lac Seul. The new all-season cabin will be built to support social distancing between guests and allow the lodge to cater to hunters in the Fall, and ice fishers and snowmobilers during the winter season.

Township of Ear Falls
$58,418

With a $58,418 non-repayable FedNor contribution, the Township of Ear Falls will transform its Lac Seul waterfront area into a safe gathering and event space for tourists and residents. Specifically, the funding will be used to install a 20'x10' outdoor pavilion to provide shade for users and protection from the elements, allowing people to spend more time outdoors and engage in social, community and special events. The project will also help increase accessibility at the waterfront through the installation of portable non-slip, roll-up beach access mats to provide access to social and recreational activities for those with visual and physical disabilities or limitations. Once complete, this priority project will create new opportunities to attract and host large-scale, safe outdoor events in Ear Falls.

Hanson's Wilderness Lodges
$54,425

A FedNor investment of $54,425 will enable Hanson's Wilderness Lodges to modernize its facilities and online presence, extend its operating season and expand its clientele through new experience-based tourism offerings. Specifically, non-repayable FedNor funding will support infrastructure upgrades such as an energy-efficient heating and cooling system and electric vehicle charging stations. The investment will also be used to expand the beach area, construct a larger dock and winterize two existing cottages. The project will also include the addition of two wildlife viewing/warming huts, an enclosed passenger sleigh for winter tours, as well as refurbishing an existing tour boat to allow for physical distancing between guests.

Loon Haunt Enterprises
$50,000

Loon Haunt Enterprises is receiving a non-repayable FedNor contribution of $50,000 to modernize its operations, increase efficiencies and revenues, while reducing its carbon footprint. The funding will allow the organization to purchase electric fridges and freezers, as well as a fire fighting equipment. This strategic FedNor investment will also be used to upgrade the company’s solar system to increase renewable energy production to power its fly-in location.

Related Products

• News release: FedNor invests $1.7 million in Kenora region’s tourism sector to help recover and attract new visitors

Associated Links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit fednor.gc.ca
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor
• Tourism Relief Fund
• Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP)
• Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP)
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)