FedNor invests over $196,000 to help Fort Frances upgrade its waterfront

News release

The Government of Canada’s support for marina upgrades will expand tourism and improve safety

November 29, 2022 – Fort Frances, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Millions of international tourists visit Canada each year, and diverse, natural landscapes are a big part of that draw. Canada, known for its welcoming, friendly spirit, and is among the most alluring destination choices for visitors.

Today, Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, announced a FedNor investment of $196,427 for important upgrades to the Town of Fort Frances’ Sorting Gap Marina, helping to sustain this unique tourism attraction in the region. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

FedNor’s investment will support upgrades to the marina including new low-maintenance modular floating docks for tourists; expansion of the existing lighting and electrical systems, along with the addition of shore power; and modernizing the current security system. Thanks to funding provided through the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) administered by FedNor, Fort Frances will be able to enhance and expand its tourism infrastructure, allowing the community to capitalize on its location on the border with International Falls, Minnesota. This project will help maintain three full-time jobs while providing an increased level of service to the waterfront.

Quotes

“Investing in key tourism opportunities is critical to growing Northern Ontario, and partnering on outdoor tourism projects like these helps create a broad, inclusive economy that serves rural areas alongside urban centers in our region. Today’s announcement of $196,427 supports the Fort Frances strategic plan to expand and improve the Sorting Gap Marina, helping create opportunities for future growth.”

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

“Fort Frances is a fantastic tourist destination, and this FedNor funding will help ensure that the community has the infrastructure it needs to maximize that potential. This project will revitalize the town’s waterfront and create new economic benefits for Fort Frances and the District of Rainy River. Outdoor tourism is an important part of our region’s economy, and supporting that industry benefits all of Northwestern Ontario.”

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

“The FedNor support announced today will help us remain a jewel at the center of the Great Canadian Experience. The upgrades to Sorting Gap Marina will improve our unique border attraction at the waterfront. We are proud of the boundless opportunities our community offers, and outdoors tourism is a big part of that.”

-       Andrew Hallikas, Mayor of Fort Frances

Quick facts

  • The Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) was part of the billion dollars in tourism support announced in Budget 2021. The TRF held a national budget of $500 million, including $485 million for regional priorities administered by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies like FedNor, and $15 million for national priorities administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

  • The tourism sector is a key contributor to the Canadian economy. In 2019, tourism generated over
    $104 billion in revenue and directly employed 692,000 people.

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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