Government of Canada invests nearly $5 million in Indigenous economic development projects across Northern Ontario

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced Government of Canada investments totalling $4,774,515 for 10 Indigenous economic development projects across Northern Ontario. The funding is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, unless otherwise noted.

Economic Development Initiatives Funded by FedNor

Enaadmaagehjik $1,000,000

Enaadmaagehjik (People Helping People) is receiving $1,000,000 to support the construction of a signature Indigenous eco-park tourism experience. This project will complete the major capital construction of an off-grid and accessible tourism destination for visitors to Point Grondine Park. These FedNor funds will help build upon previous phases of the project, including the construction of a tourist cabin with solar and furnishings, renovations to the maintenance building, and aggregate purchasing to facilitate road extension to the cabin sites. With these diverse accommodations, cultural programming, backcountry accessibility, and soft adventure activities, phase three will help finalize the Point Grondine Eco Resort in becoming a destination of choice for visitors throughout the local area, Northern Ontario, and beyond.

Gord’s Rentals $784,655

Gord’s Rentals is receiving $784,655 to support the renovation and expansion of its main warehouse. The facility, which is used for maintenance and repair of rental equipment, will be equipped with lifts and other equipment too large for the current repair and maintenance bay, and will allow the opportunity to stage equipment and inventory before heading to the consumer. This project will expand and increase the efficiency of an Indigenous community-owned mining and forestry supply business, and will assist the company in taking advantage of additional opportunities arising from the First Nation's Impact Benefit Agreements and involvement in the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) hospital construction project in Moosonee.

Indigenous Tourism Ontario $512,000

Indigenous Tourism Ontario is receiving $512,000 to support the development and implementation of a new Indigenous storytelling drone display. This new tourism product will enhance visitor experiences and support tourism partners and opportunities across Northern Ontario. Specifically, this project will enable the acquisition, programming, and operation of 250 drones that will perform coordinated immersive Indigenous storytelling displays at events including powwows, cultural festivals, and other community gatherings.

Pemiijiwan Support Services Inc. $500,000

Pemiijiwan Support Services Inc. is receiving a $500,000 to support the hiring of a CEO and a Finance Manager, who will identify and act upon opportunities stemming from Ring of Fire developments. The two positions will help foster economic development and partnership opportunities, as well as planning, project management, and negotiation capacities for the communities. Funding will support the capacity of Webequie First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation in meaningfully addressing community well-being and development needs as they seek to prosper from any developments taking place within their traditional territories.

Beam Paints $500,000

Beam Paints is receiving a repayable investment of $500,000 to support the expansion of the Indigenous-owned-and-operated business. Specifically, this investment will enable the construction of a new facility and the installation of machinery that will allow Beam Paints to both expand into the paper making market while also increasing existing manufacturing capacity. Beam Paints is already in possession of the new machinery. This project will help the business centralize production and reduce reliance on imported products. Funding for this project is being provided through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation initiative.

Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek $459,800

Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (BNA) is receiving $459,800 to support the installation of a district biomass heating system located within the community. This system will provide heat to residential, commercial, and institutional buildings within the community. This project will support the continued re-establishment of BNA's community with particular emphasis on green renewable energy, and will promote the creation of a circular economy at BNA. The biomass heating system will use the wood residue from the community sawmill, with excess materials ready to be sold to neighbouring communities pursuing district heating projects.

Shibogama First Nations Council $400,000

Shibogama First Nations Council is receiving $400,000 to support the completion of a two-phase business analysis process. This process will support community due diligence in the potential purchase of Musselwhite Mine.

Mishkeegogamang $300,000

Mishkeegogamang is receiving $300,000 to support the creation of an Economic Development Officer (EDO) position. This skilled professional will be responsible for strengthening, creating, and co-ordinating current and future community developments and economic growth initiatives in Mishkeegogamang, while also helping to promote employment opportunities. In addition, the role will engage in mentoring activities with the youth of Mishkeegogamang, helping to expand knowledge and creativity, as well as building stronger connections and sustainability for future economic growth, nurturing social and cultural wellness for all in the community.

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation $183,060

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation is receiving $183,060 to support the completion of a pre-feasibility study regarding a data centre. The study will assess the commercial viability of a potential data centre in the community, as well as determining what factors would need to be in place to realize the possibility. The project was identified as an opportunity in WLON's 2024-2029 Economic Development Strategy.

Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek $135,000

Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (BZA) is receiving $135,000 to support the planning and design work for a new ice packing facility. The facility will support commercial and cultural fishing operations in the community, and will include packing, processing, and cold storage areas, as well as offices and a meeting room, dedicated mechanical/electrical spaces, janitorial facilities, and washrooms. The technical studies and assessments included in the design and planning work will enable the community to proceed to the construction phase of the project.

Related Products

• News release: Government of Canada investing nearly $5 million in economic development projects led by Indigenous communities and organizations across Northern Ontario

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