Today, Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, announced a Government of Canada investment of $121,500 to help Tourism North Bay create an outdoor winter market in downtown North Bay. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

"This investment in Tourism North Bay will help create quality jobs, stimulate the local economy, and strengthen the region's tourism sector. It will attract more visitors, support local businesses, and showcase Northern Ontario's natural beauty and unique experiences."

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

"Northern Ontario offers breathtaking landscapes and thousands of pristine lakes and rivers that could easily take a lifetime to discover! Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is supporting local organizations like Tourism North Bay to fuel the economic engine in their communities. Investing in the tourism industry will also help to attract more domestic and international visitors to explore this bewitchingly wild region, time and again.”

-       The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

“I am pleased FedNor is stepping up with $121,500 to accelerate tourism, community and business growth right here in the City of North Bay. As the Gateway to the North, we have beautiful winters and it’s great to see Tourism North Bay capitalizing on off-season opportunities to attract more visitors, showcase hometown talent, help fill our restaurants and hotels, and increase sales for local shops and artisans.”

-       Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming

“The new outdoor winter market experience was designed by local partners in order to enhance the vibrancy of Downtown North Bay and to support local artisans, restaurants and businesses leading up to the busy holiday season.  By creating a new welcoming and festive atmosphere for all ages, visitors and residents are encouraged to explore the light activations and programming, shop the artisan market, indulge in seasonal treats and take in the festive culture under twinkling lights.”

-       Tanya Bédard, Executive Director, Tourism North Bay

• The funds announced today are provided through FedNor and the Tourism Growth Program (TGP), a Government of Canada program through which $108 million will be delivered over three years. TGP funds are delivered by Regional Development Agencies and aim to support communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences.

  • The program also complements supports for the tourism industry provided through other federal, provincial, and territorial programs.

• The Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario identifies investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities in the region as a key action.

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.canada.ca
• Follow us on X: @FedNor
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/fednor

Jennifer Kozelj
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations