FedNor provides more than $770,000 to Kenora communities
Three Northern Ontario communities will share in more than $770,000 in funding from the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), it was announced on April 1.
Provided through FedNor’s Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario, the funding will enable the Obashkaandagaang First Nation, City of Dryden and Municipality of Machin to hire or extend the positions of their respective economic development officers.
The EDOs will undertake a variety of priority projects that will help create jobs, support recovery efforts, strengthen key sectors of the economy, and position the region for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Specifically, the Obashkaandagaang First Nation (OFN) will receive $270,000 to develop a strategic plan and implement recommendations that will drive immediate and future growth in the community. By hiring an EDO, the First Nation will pursue on-reserve development opportunities such as establishing internet and home construction businesses, as well as developing a marina and retail complex.
“Moving forward with our strategic plan to grow our economy and create local jobs is a top priority for our community,” said Chief Marilyn Sinclair. “This FedNor investment is allowing us to pursue on-reserve opportunities such as establishing internet and home construction businesses, as well as developing a marina and retail complex to help maximize our economic potential and create local jobs.”
The Municipality of Machin will receive $258,458 to hire its EDO to implement priority projects identified in its five-year strategic plan. The EDO will coordinate tourism and waterfront development, event planning, investment attraction and commercial growth. The municipality expects that the EDO’s work will attract new businesses and investment to the area, increase tourism, create a series of local events, and attract and retain newcomers to support population and economic growth.
Finally, the City of Dryden will receive $245,100 to extend its EDO position for an additional three years. The city’s EDO will focus on COVID-19 recovery efforts, tourism, branding and economic strategies, workforce attraction and waterfront development. Over the past three years, the EDO supported 29 business start-ups, commercial land development and helped create a series of strategic plans to guide local long-term decision-making regarding community economic development, growth and sustainability.
“Having a full-time economic development professional on staff has been a gamechanger for community development, growth and job creation in the City of Dryden,” said Mayor Greg Wilson. “We are thrilled that FedNor recognizes the importance of this role and is investing to extend the position for an additional three years so we can build on our successes and support recovery efforts.”
Since 2015, FedNor has provided more than $179 million in funding to support 477 projects, which helped create and maintain more than 8,300 jobs in communities and First Nations across Northern Ontario.