Government of Canada invests $150,000 to boost tourism and expand the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre
News release
FedNor funding to create 11 jobs and support tourism, community and economic growth in the Parry Sound and beyond
October 3, 2024 – Parry Sound, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
From coast to coast, Canada boasts natural beauty. Our Government is supporting the tourism sector so that generations of Canadians and visitors can continue to enjoy what our country has to offer. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced a Government of Canada investment of $149,983 to help the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre meet the growing demand for club facilities by modernizing and expanding its operations and completing much needed infrastructure upgrades.
The project includes adding a 1,200 square-foot all-season pavilion, constructing a garage, and transforming an existing structure into an administration and equipment rental facility. Provided through FedNor’s Tourism Growth Program, this non-repayable investment will also be used to upgrade the septic system, purchase equipment for trail development and grooming, and complete trail enhancements such as building a three kilometer performance trail loop. This project is expected to create 11 jobs.
Based in Parry Sound, the newly enhanced Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre will be able to attract and accommodate more visitors, host large-scale sporting events, and increase services, storage and equipment maintenance space. This priority project builds on the organization’s existing trails, activities and services which includes over 45 kilometres of mountain biking, hiking, ski and snowshoe trails that span an impressive 800-acre property that is made up of private and Crown land.
Quotes
"Today’s investment into the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre will grow the local economy by creating 11 jobs and strengthen the region's tourism sector. By expanding the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre, it will accommodate for more visitors, attract large-scale sporting events and support local businesses in beautiful Northern Ontario.”
- 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 the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre 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
“We are thrilled that FedNor is stepping up to support the evolution of the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity
Centre just outside Parry Sound. Adding an all-season pavilion, upgrading infrastructure and modernizing amenities means we can take the Centre to the next level. It means we can enhance services to existing clientele, attract more high-level sporting events, and further position ourselves as a premier tourism destination for outdoor enthusiasts attracted to the Parry Sound area. We have over 800 acres of property that boasts over 45 kilometres of mountain biking, hiking, ski, snowshoe trails and more! Come check us out!”- Greg Mason, President, Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre
Quick facts
-
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
Contacts
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