Feds drop millions onto Kenora's waterfront

Ottawa is cutting a $2.4 million cheque for waterfront improvements, small business aid in Kenora and for Webequie First Nation to take advantage of opportunities in mineral exploration.

Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty made the announcement Aug. 6 on behalf of Industry and FedNor Minister Tony Clement.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to develop sustainable communities and increase employment opportunities in northwestern Ontario,” said Flaherty in a statement.
FedNor is investing $2,050,000 million for the second phase of Kenora's ambitious downtown-waterfront revitalization begins this summer.

The two-year, $5.4 million project will develop the harbourfront with better water access, new docks, and the creation of both covered and open venues for performances and special events. There will also be improvements made for better pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow, new retail at public wharves.

“With FedNor support, communities in this region are encouraging private sector investment through a number of strategic initiatives,” said Len Compton, Kenora Mayor. “We are especially proud of our Port of Kenora project, which is redeveloping our harbourfront to increase pedestrian, vehicular and marine traffic to the area.”

FedNor previously kicked in $500,000 for the redevelopment of Main Street that included a new road, sidewalks and street scaping along its heritage space.

Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation receives $300,000 to provide services and access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises and community development initiatives for a one-year period. An additional $75,000 will enable them to support a variety of small scale economic development projects in the region.

Webequie First Nation received $50,000 to hire a consultant to develop a community strategic plan looking at ways to capitalize on the area mining opportunities and “deal with infrastructure capacity and human resource challenges.

Webequie is 530 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.