MANITOULIN—Funding being provided by the government of Canada to the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) will allow for FONOM to provide and distribute 12 bilingual videos to highlight business opportunities and promote the strength and talents of Northern Ontario’s workforce, the availability and price of residential and industrial lands and the benefits of the Northern Ontario lifestyle. One of the 12 videos will include one featuring North Channel Cruise Line, based in Little Current.
“FONOM receives funding every year toward the Go North Video series,” said Al MacNevin, Mayor of the town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) and a member of the FONOM board. “FONOM features one business in a video within our districts in Northern Ontario. Film crews will be coming to the Island to produce a video on North Channel Cruise Line.”
“I had to ask Chris Blodgett, the operator of the business, if he was interested in being part of this, and he was very excited about this taking place,” said Mr. MacNevin. “This is the third year the videos are going to be produced, and for Manitoulin Island Henley Boats of Manitowaning and Split Rail Brewing Company of Gore Bay have been featured the first two years.”
“Its awesome,” stated Mr. Blodgett. “We are thrilled to be part of something like this. The business was founded in 2013, so we are in our 12th year of providing tours.”
“Things are going great, we have seen steady growth in the business over the years, and this year is going to be our best season yet,” said Mr. Blodgett. “Our business has been very well received in Ontario, other parts of Canada, and the US to join our tours, and there is spinoff by people renting hotel rooms, for example which benefits the local Island economy.”
Mr. Blodgett said filming of the business and its tours will take place in October. “We are already doing three Octoberfest style event tours to Louisa Island where everyone will be able to see the rich fall colours of that time of the year. They will be able to see what our operations are like and capture video of the North Channel when it is not so busy, in the shoulder season, and be able to see the fall colours in all their splendor.”
“I’m stoked that we were asked to be part of this video,” stated Mr. Blodgett. “Al (MacNevin) had called and asked if we would be interested, and I said yes immediately.”
Mayor MacNevin said the Go North Videos are produced and “Mainly marketed to the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) area encouraging businesses to set up their businesses in Northern Ontario. The videos create interest in setting up business in the North, information on what is here in the north and all the benefits of having a business here.”
Pauline Rochefort, parliamentary secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development) and member of parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, announced $863,023 in funding to support local and regional innovation and economic development across Northern Ontario on July 25. This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, minister of jobs and families and minister responsible for FedNor.
“Northern Ontario is home to vibrant communities, innovative businesses, and untapped potential. Today’s investments are a testament to our focus to grow the regional economy, by strengthening the agri-food sector and showcasing what makes the North such a great place to live and work,” said minister Hajdu. “Through collaboration with organizations like NOFIA and FONOM we’re creating good jobs, supporting sustainable development, and laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity across the region.”
Of the funding announced, $702,713 will support the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA) in strengthening the region’s agri-food sector. The initiative will improve local value chains, advance technology adoption, and promote sustainable practices. NOFIA will also assess key production and procurement challenges and explore infrastructure investments to support aggregation, storage and distribution. The project aims to expand market opportunities and increase demand for Northern Ontario-produced foods. The project is expected to help expand and modernize 120 businesses, create 60 new jobs in the agricultural sector over three years, supporting the development of nearly 2,000 acres of farmland. This will help to attract over $1 million in industry investment and economic benefits for the region.
Also announced was $160,310 in funding for FONOM to allow the organization to produce and distribute 12 bilingual videos to highlight business opportunities and promote the strengths and talents of Northern Ontario’s workforce, the availability and price of residential and industrial lands, and the benefits of the Northern Ontarian lifestyle.
“Northern Ontario is full of opportunity, and it’s time the rest of Canada sees it,” said Danny Whalen, president of FONOM. “With this support, FONOM will be able to shine a spotlight on our communities, our workforce, and the industries that drive our economy. These videos will help attract new businesses, and families to the region by showcasing the unique advantages of living, working, and investing in the North.”
