FedNor invests $384,750 to upgrade public spaces in the District of Rainy River

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario - FedNor

News release

Investments will help revitalize local infrastructure and create safe, recreational spaces in Northwestern Ontario communities

July 20, 2022 – Rainy River, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Shared public spaces and thriving downtown cores are at the heart of vibrant communities across Canada. They draw in residents and visitors alike, supporting local businesses and jobs. In the District of Rainy River, as in so many places across Canada, these spaces have seen a significant reduction in use in recent years to keep Canadians safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public spaces enable people everywhere to enjoy the social interactions and physical activities that help define their communities, and Canadians and the places they call home flourish when they can enjoy those public spaces. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

Today, Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, announced a FedNor investment of $384,750 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for two projects in the District of Rainy River. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Of this support, $375,000 will go to the Township of Rainy River to build a permanent stage and gazebo, including accessible infrastructure and outdoor speakers, in Hannam Park. The steam locomotive and cars at the Rainy River Museum will also be repaired, and a new overhead structure will be installed at the facility as well. In addition, $9,750 will go to the Township of Atikokan to build a 22-square-metre open-air structure that will support community programming and services in a safe, outdoor, and sheltered environment. The structure will be located on the front of the library’s green space. These initiatives will create and/or maintain eight full-time jobs as well as eight construction jobs in the municipalities of Rainy River and Atikokan.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021, and 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

“We will continue to work with our municipal partners to improve communities across Canada. These projects will help support the cultures and economies of Northwestern Ontario, and will ensure that the District of Rainy River is well on the road to recovery.”

- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Initiatives like these encourage residents and tourists to explore our communities and to engage in healthy recreation in our shared public spaces. FedNor’s partnership with communities across Northern Ontario helps extend community access to everyone. I’m proud that this announcement is part of helping the District of Rainy River move forward to build better shared public spaces for everyone.”

- Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River

“Hannam Park is an important community space here in Rainy River, and partnering with FedNor to improve it is an exciting opportunity for us. These funds will help us revitalize our town and it will make sure our home continues to grow alongside us.”

- Deborah J Ewald, Mayor of Rainy River

“Public libraries are in many ways central to the idea of shared community space, and so partnering with FedNor on this project represents an important means of supporting Atikokan and helping us thrive as a community. Investments in communities like this help create opportunities for social and economic growth, and Atikokan is proud to be part of this announcement.”

- Dennis Brown, Mayor of Atikokan

Quick facts

  • CCRF funding supports 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery in the region.

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

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations

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