Feds commit nearly $11M for northern Ontario community projects
The federal government has announced an investment of nearly $11 million that will go towards a series of projects in municipalities and Indigenous communities across Northern Ontario.
The money is being provided through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), which is administered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. Combined, the investments will create 121 construction jobs, as well as 10 full-time and one part-time position.
Among those receiving funding is the City of Thunder Bay. The municipality will collect $750,000 to support its North Core Downtown Streetscapes Revitalization project. Phase one of the project includes underground infrastructure upgrades and rebuilding the streetscape on Court Street from Wilson Street to Park Avenue.
“Building up community infrastructure is vital to the long-term success of Thunder Bay, municipalities and First Nation communities across Northwestern Ontario,” said Mayor Bill Mauro. “In addition to the regional benefits of today’s announcement, we are pleased that $1.2 million will support our downtown revitalization project and the construction of an all-season racquet-sport facility here at home in Thunder Bay.”
The Local Services Board of Wabigoon will receive $700,000 to support the construction of an outdoor pavilion with a community space in downtown Wabigoon.
The City of Elliot Lake will receive funding of $750,000 to help transform a dormant municipal building into a hub for creative arts to service the municipality, surrounding areas and local First Nations. The CCRF investment will support all phases of the project including tender and contractor selection; interior and exterior renovations; upgraded lighting, electrical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, heat-recovery and fire alarm systems; as well as new washrooms, elevator and barrier-free entry doors.
The Town of Huntsville will receive $500,000 to support its Downtown Streetscape initiative. The project includes a major re-design of the downtown core to maximize social and economic benefits for residents, visitors and local businesses.
“This FedNor investment will help us transform the heart and soul of our community with strategic upgrades to the Main Street and Kent Park areas,” said Mayor Karin Terziano. “Revitalizing the downtown core will allow us to improve accessibility and access to local businesses and public spaces, while creating a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.”
Also receiving funding of $500,000 or more are North Caribou Lake First Nation ($517,744), the Thunder Bay Community Tennis Centre ($500,000), the Township of Georgian Bay ($500,000), the City of Temiskaming Shores ($500,000), the Township of Perry ($500,000), the Town of Cochrane ($500,000), and the Wahgoshig First Nation ($500,000).
“I am pleased that FedNor is helping to maximize the social and economic benefits of our green spaces by assisting with the construction of our local playground and splash pad.,” said Chief June Black. “The funding announced today will benefit the Wahgoshig First Nation and Indigenous communities across the region by helping us build and revitalize our local infrastructure so we can welcome people back to public spaces safely.”
Launched in June 2021, the CCRF provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces.
Funding under the program supports two major streams of activity: adapting community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public-health guidelines, and building or improving community spaces.
Eligible recipients include not-for-profit organizations; rural, municipal or regional governments; Indigenous groups and communities; and public sector bodies that provide municipal-type infrastructure.