FedNor invests close to $9.7 million to support key tourism projects across Northern Ontario – Northcentral 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 ramp up quickly to welcome back visitors.

In recognition of the United Nations’ World Tourism Day, held each year on September 27, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced FedNor investments totalling $9,654,641 to protect, strengthen and grow Northern Ontario’s tourism sector. Provided through the FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) (identified below) and the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), the investments will support 74 tourism projects in municipalities and Indigenous communities across the region.

For the full list of tourism projects supported by this announcement, please see the other two backgrounders separated by region:

• FedNor invests close to $9.7 million to support key tourism projects across Northern Ontario – Northeast Region
• FedNor invests close to $9.7 million to support key tourism projects across Northern Ontario – Northwest Region

Tourism initiatives supported by FedNor in Northcentral Region

Sault Ste. Marie

“Sault Ste. Marie is a natural meeting space between lakes, regions, and countries, and that’s part of what makes our region such a special tourism destination. I am happy that our government is investing in tourism because, by supporting our businesses, this important investment is supporting us, the people who live in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District.”

- Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

Ontario Bushplane Heritage and Forest Fire Education Centre
$91,000

The Ontario Bushplane Heritage and Forest Fire Education Centre is receiving $91,000 to purchase and implement a Smartphone App designed to support better accessibility and multiple language content, as well as the necessary information, materials, and training to support proper App delivery.

Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association
$81,000

The Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association is receiving $81,000 to assist tourism businesses to modernize and expand e-commerce services and access training.

Great Lakes Cruise Association
$65,828

The Great Lakes Cruise Association is receiving $65,828 to revitalize and expand cruise tourism in the Great Lakes.

Soo Curler’s Association
$46,000

The Soo Curler’s Association is receiving $46,000 to host the Everest Canadian Seniors Curling Championship. This funding is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program.

Algoma-Manitoulin

Sheshegwaning First Nation
$760,887

The Sheshegwaning First Nation is receiving $760,887 through the NODP to construct a new multi-use Leadership Centre.

Algoma Traditional Music and Dance Group
$500,000

The Algoma Traditional Music and Dance Group is receiving $500,000 to support the phase two construction of the AlgomaTrad Centre on St. Joseph's Island.

Township of St. Joseph
$244,119

The Township of St. Joseph is receiving $244,119 to undertake marina, waterfront, and tourism attraction upgrades.

Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association
$211,713

Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association is receiving $211,713 through the NODP to promote angling tourism through a series of infrastructure upgrades, events and marketing initiatives.

Bayside Resort
$100,000

Bayside Resort is receiving $100,000 to introduce new Indigenous cultural tourism experiences and build four new suites to accommodate twice as many guests.  

Lure of the North Inc.
$100,000

Lure of the North is receiving $100,000 to construct and equip a new storage, maintenance and outdoor fitness facility at its base camp, helping transform the business into an all-season operation.

Brennan Harbour RV Park
$94,270

The Brennan Harbour RV Park is receiving $94,270 to expand its operations by adding 10 transient campsites and modernizing on-site infrastructure such as electrical and septic systems.

Municipality of Wawa
$90,000

The Municipality of Wawa is receiving $90,000 to develop a five-year tourism plan and COVID-19 recovery strategy.

Stillwater Fishing And Tours
$83,626

Stillwater Fishing And Tours is receiving $83,626 to create eco-resort accommodations, including geodesic dome yurts.

Ojibwe Cultural Foundation
$80,041

The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation is receiving $80,041 to upgrade its facility and equipment to enhance the visitor experience and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.

Municipality of Central Manitoulin
$75,264

The Municipality of Central Manitoulin is receiving $75,264 through the NODP to develop and implement a Tourism Adaptation Strategy for the Manitoulin Island and Lacloche Foothills area.

Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates
$57,000

The Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates is receiving $57,000 to develop and launch the Manitoulin Digital Outdoor Experience Museum.

Bull Lake Outfitters
$45,000

Bull Lake Outfitters is receiving $45,000 to support cabin and accessibility upgrades, an outdoor entertainment area, new docks and a steel barn to house hay for the farm animals.

Spanish River Resort & Campground
$41,500

The Spanish River Resort & Campground will receive $41,500 to create five new fully-serviced RV campsites, construct an equipment shed and complete infrastructure upgrades that include the electrical and septic systems.

Naturally Superior Adventures
$38,011

Naturally Superior Adventures is receiving $38,011 to modernize and expand its tourism offerings, including water and food safety, accommodations and developing a new sailing instruction program.

Lakeshore Excursions
$37,500

Lakeshore Excursions is receiving $37,500 to develop new excursions and adapt tours and practices to improve safety.