Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, today announced a total FedNor investment of $1,825,250 in two projects in the Superior East and Algoma areas. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

“Local organizations know their communities best. That's why our government is partnering with local leaders to strengthen regional economies across the country, create good-paying jobs, and support Canadians.”

-       The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“FedNor investments like these help strengthen communities by providing a foundation of comprehensive support for all kinds of businesses and organizations. A diverse economy is a strong economy, and support from the Government of Canada empowers organizations like the Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation to provide critical local tools and resources that enable diverse economic growth. FedNor understands Northern Ontario, and these funds will help locally-owned businesses in the region succeed.”

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

“The Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation is committed to supporting and developing our region, and we are very proud of the work we do. The support we provide local businesses, organizations, and communities has and continues to have a tremendous positive impact on the Superior East area. These FedNor funds will help us to continue our mission of building the communities we know and love. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with FedNor as well as businesses and entrepreneurs on locally-driven future projects.”

-       Tracy Amos, General Manager, Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation

“At Watson's Windy Point Lodge, we’re proud to create unforgettable experiences for our guests. The Watson family has been a trusted name in the industry for years, and we always go above and beyond to provide top-notch service for visitors from near and far. Thanks to the recent Tourism Growth loan support from FedNor, we’re excited to keep growing and providing even more incredible experiences for many years to come.”

-       Robert Watson, President, R&R Watson Inc.

• The Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation (SECFDC) is a community-based, non-profit organization located in Wawa and governed by a volunteer board of directors from the region.

  • SECFDC has provided nearly $30 million in loans since 1989, and has helped maintain and create over 3000 jobs in that same period.
  • Their catchment area includes the communities of Chapleau, Dubreuilville, Wawa, White River and surrounding First Nations.

• Windy Point Lodge, located on Kabinakagami Lake approximately 100km north of Wawa, is a multi-cabin fly-in camp that provides outdoor adventure experiences, including fishing, hunting, and ecotours. The facility has been in operation since 1969.

• The majority of funds announced today are provided through FedNor’s Community Futures Program (CFP), through which FedNor supports 24 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) located throughout Northern Ontario.

  • These community-based, not-for-profit organizations are staffed by professionals and are each governed by local volunteer board of directors familiar with their communities' needs, concerns and future development priorities.

• Additional funds announced today are provided through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP), a Government of Canada program that will deliver $108 million to tourism projects 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.

Associated links

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Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations