FedNor funds also announced in support of the tourism industry
THUNDER BAY—The Honourable Patty Hajdu, federal minister of jobs and families and minister responsible for FedNor, has announced the updated Prosperity and Growth for Northern Ontario, as well as a total FedNor investment of $4,571,673 in tourism projects across the region, including several funding recipients on Manitoulin Island.
“The economic landscape has seen many changes over the last five years and communities in Northern Ontario deserve new opportunities for economic development,” said Minister Hajdu. “Whether it is harnessing new investment opportunities or supporting careers in the tourism industry, today’s announcement (July 17) is critical to maximizing Northern Ontario’s full potential, in collaboration with communities and organizations across the region.”
Tourism initiatives funded by Fednor in Northcentral Ontario include the Indigenous Tourism Association of Ontario (ITAO) which is receiving funding of $250,011 to develop and implement a tourism corridor strategy to accelerate Indigenous tourism in Northern Ontario. Designed to attract visitors from south of Muskoka to the Manitoulin Island and Sault Ste. Marie corridor, the strategy will promote Indigenous tourism focused businesses that are visitor ready. The strategy will include three key studies: a corridor strategy, implementation and sustainability report, and a business case for development/future investment in tourism along the corridor. At least 15 Indigenous-owned businesses in Northern Ontario will be directly supported to showcase cultural heritage and develop market-ready products as part of the corridor development.
To help boost tourism in the region, Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates (MICA) is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $112,500 to create a best-in-class mountain bike park.
The new park will be located at the Nordic Ski Club’s 80-acre facility, thus transforming the area into a four-season destination. The park will be engineered and built to International Mountain Bike Association standards and will complement the existing cycling tourism products which include e-bikes and chargers and over 850 kilometres of off-road and paved routes along Manitoulin’s beautiful roadways.
The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) is receiving a FedNor investment of $42,575 through its NODP to help NEMI maximize the tourism and economic potential of its Home, Cottage and Culinary Show (HCCS). Identified as a local priority, the funding was used to purchase an accessible portable stage, sound system and generator to enhance the 2025 HCCS experience (held recently) and reduce costs for future municipal and community-led events. These assets will also improve the visitor experience, encourage return visits and increase economic activity through visitor spending in the region.
The Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario is a comprehensive document intended to support and amplify current and ongoing government of Canada programs and collaborations to address the needs of Northern Ontario’s residents and communities.