Seventeen projects supported by 13 organizations will benefit from nearly $5 million in FedNor funding, announced on July 23.
The funding is being provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
The funds will be disbursed as follows:
Enaadmaagehjik (Wikwemikong Development Commission) will get $1,275,782 toward the development of a light industrial park. The WDC will receive another $63,000 to hire a youth intern for a two-year period.
The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands will receive $1 million to extend wastewater services to accommodate commercial development in Little Current. Another $60,000 will be used to construct a new access point to the Cup and Saucer walking trail, a popular tourist destination.
The Township of Billings will receive $818,276 to help redevelop its waterfront to boost tourism, creating an additional 12 slips and a diesel fueling facility and septic system.
Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute will receive $611,556 to purchase and install equipment and furnishings at the organizaton’s new Anishinawbek Skills, Innovation and Research Centre.
The Waubetek Business Development Corporation will receive $234,000 to support a number of business development projects, including the implementation of the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy and the Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Mineral Development. Waubetek will also receive $200,700 to coordinate and implement the Aboriginal Mining Strategy for Northeastern Ontario over a three-year period.
Manitoulin Radio Communications will receive $163,285 to construct and commission a new radio broadcasting tower. The business will also receive $60,000 for upgrades to a country music festival venue.
The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation will receive $188,395 to establish an Indigenous arts and crafts entrepreneurship incubator pilot program for a two-year period, designed to stimulate cultural entrepreneurship and job creation among Indigenous peoples in the region, while providing a new social enterprise revenue stream for the OCF.
The Dawson Citizens Improvement Association will receive $100,000 to modernize the Meldrum Bay marina and campground to encourage tourism.
Split Rail Brewing Company will receive $66,600 to purchase and install new equipment and adopt new technology that will grant them access to The Beer Store and LCBO.
The Manitoulin Tourism Association will receive $33,525 toward a sustainable tourism management action plan.
The Northern Ontario Permaculture Research Institute will receive $31,500 to hire a youth intern for a one-year period.
The Weengushk Film Institute will use $31,500 to hire a youth intern for a one-year period.
Sheguiandah First Nation will receive $15,907 to help complete a feasibility study to support business development on its recently purchased agricultural property.
