Winnipeg, Manitoba (January 21, 2010) — The Government of Canada is providing support to the Fisher River Cree Nation for a new cottage development that will present new economic and job opportunities for the community. Federal and provincial governments are partnering with the First Nation on the project, which will see the development of 88 cottage lots along lake-front property on the west side of Lake Winnipeg.
“This government is committed to helping communities make the most of economic opportunities so that First Nations people can participate fully in the Canadian economy,” said James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. “We are pleased to partner with the community of Fisher River and the Province of Manitoba on this exciting project.”
“We are pleased to work with the federal government and the Fisher River Cree Nation on a project that will benefit the local economy while also creating more opportunities for Manitobans to enjoy this beautiful land,” said Manitoba Acting Conservation Minister Stan Struthers. “The new lots will be ready for a draw next year.”
“This project will provide important long-term economic development opportunities for the community,” said Chief David Crate of Fisher River Cree Nation. “It creates a number of business opportunities to service cottagers, including everything from the local store and gas bar to services such as construction. With its location two hours north of Winnipeg, this project will benefit our community and surrounding areas for years to come.”
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is providing approximately $992,000 over two years toward the project. Federal funding will support the planning, design and construction of an access road into the cottage development and will assist in other areas of project development, including drainage, engineering work and environmental assessment.
The project is expected to create new revenue and new jobs for the First Nation community, including on-going employment opportunities related to construction of the cottage development and on-going services to cottagers.
Federal funds are being made available through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Community Economic Opportunity Program (CEOP). The CEOP provides support to assist First Nation and Inuit communities in developing economic opportunities.
