FedNor invests more than $10.9 million in community infrastructure projects to help Northern Ontario rebound from the effects of COVID-19

As our economy recovers from the impact of COVID-19, the Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to help Northern Ontario municipalities, First Nation communities and organizations not only survive, but strengthen and build for a sustainable future.

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Superior North, today announced a Government of Canada investment of more than $10.9 million in support 29 strategic initiatives located in municipalities and Indigenous communities across Northern Ontario. Provided through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), these investments will help build community infrastructure,  revitalize existing assets, and stimulate the economy, while bringing people back to public spaces safely as health measures ease. In addition, these investments will help create 121 construction jobs, as well as 10 full-time and one part-time position.

Northwestern Ontario CCRF initiatives supported by FedNor

City of Thunder Bay
$750,000

The City of Thunder Bay will receive a FedNor contribution of $750,000 to support the North Core Downtown Streetscapes Revitalization project. Designed to increase foot traffic in the downtown core and attract more tourists to the area, the funding will be used to make downtown Thunder Bay a safer and more inviting place to spend time, shop, and conduct business. Specifically, this CCRF funding will support phase one of the initiative, which includes underground infrastructure upgrades and rebuilding the streetscape on Court Street from Wilson Street to Park Avenue.

Local Services Board of Wabigoon
$700,000

A FedNor investment of $700,000 will support the construction of an outdoor pavilion with a community space in downtown Wabigoon. Once the multipurpose, year-round facility is complete, it will serve as a gathering and event space for the community to conduct business and enjoy recreational activities. As a social and economic hub of the community, the facility will also host a variety of activities throughout the year including local farmers’ markets, chip stands, community events, craft and bake sales, as well as outdoor educational and cultural events. During the winter season, the space will transition into a ice rink to encourage physical activity and healthy living within the community's underserved youth population.

North Caribou Lake First Nation
$517,744

To support the installation of an ice plant at its community arena, North Caribou Lake First Nation will receive a FedNor investment of $517,744. Ice sports are the most popular recreational activities in this Indigenous community and installing an ice plant at the local arena will double the length of its ice season. The extended season will help attract tournaments to the area and encourage physical activity and healthy living within the community's underserved youth population.

Thunder Bay Community Tennis Centre
$500,000

A FedNor investment of $500,000 will enable the Thunder Bay Community Tennis Centre to construct a 45,500-square-foot all-season racquet sport facility. The project will include adding two new outdoor courts at the existing site and the construction of an air-supported structure to cover six courts. Once complete, the new facility will help attract more users, out-of-town tourists and various tournaments to the area.

Sandy Lake First Nation
$499,997

A FedNor investment of $499,997 will support the construction of a multipurpose outdoor recreation area in Sandy Lake First Nation. This project will encourage safe outdoor activity, particularly for the community's underserved youth population. Specifically, the funding will support the construction of a fully accessible pavilion and multipurpose outdoor court suitable for a variety of sports and activities, such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, and cultural dancing. This targeted investment will also be used to build bleachers and install lighting to allow for evening events.

Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation
$499,892

The Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation is receiving $499,892 in FedNor funding to create a community public outdoor green space and recreational area. The new outdoor areas will be open to the public, fully accessible and include a bridge, walking paths, gathering area, sitting areas, benches and picnic tables. In addition to enhancing local infrastructure, this project will help create new economic opportunities by attracting visitors, special events, meetings and celebrations to the community.

Sachigo Lake First Nation
$479,428

FedNor funding of $479,428 will help Sachigo Lake First Nation construct a state-of-the-art community greenhouse. This 96 x 30-foot, season-extending hydroponic greenhouse will support food security with its capacity to produce 4.6 tonnes of vegetables each year, including potatoes, onions, carrots and beets.

Northeastern Ontario CCRF initiatives supported by FedNor

The Town of Huntsville
$500,000

To support its Downtown Streetscape initiative, the Town of Huntsville is receiving FedNor funding of $500,000. Identified as a strategic priority, the project includes a major re-design of the downtown core to maximize social and economic benefits for residents, visitors and local businesses. Specifically, FedNor funding will support upgrades to the Main Street and Kent Park areas, such as improving pedestrian access, pathways and crosswalks, outdoor seating and landscaping, as well as accessibility improvements and flexible parking to increase access to local businesses.

Township of Georgian Bay
$500,000

The Township of Georgian Bay will receive $500,000 to revitalize community infrastructure and support the development of a four-acre community park in downtown Honey Harbour. The park will include green spaces, outdoor sports facilities and a cultural tourism centre. All components of the park will reflect and showcase Métis heritage in recognition of the significant number of permanent residents who identify as or are silent about their Métis and First Nation heritage. Deemed a priority project by the township, this strategic initiative is expected to help maximize tourism and economic opportunities.

City of Temiskaming Shores
$500,000

A FedNor investment of $500,000 will enable the City of Temiskaming Shores to revitalize the Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena, the community’s primary indoor recreation complex. This targeted investment will improve accessibility, increase energy efficiencies, reduce the arena’s carbon footprint and significantly extend the life of this important community asset. Specific upgrades include a fully accessible  main entrance and concession counter, renovated washrooms, new foyer, LED lighting and four accessible viewing spaces, as well as the installation of new air quality monitoring sensors and a video display board.

Township of Perry
$500,000

To support the construction of a modern multipurpose facility to house the library and community centre, the Township of Perry is receiving FedNor funding of $500,000. To be located in the downtown core, this new facility will meet or exceed Ontario Building Code Standards and accessibility requirements, while ensuring residents, cottagers and visitors have access to an inclusive venue to gather safely. Provided through CCRF, this investment supports all phases of this community infrastructure initiative.

Municipality of Powassan
$499,000

FedNor funding of $499,000 is helping the Municipality of Powassan reimagine and revitalize its main community park area, located in the downtown core. Identified as a strategic priority in the community’s Recreation Master Plan, this project involves relocating playground structures and creating a new accessible structure and surface to amplify existing equipment. The funding will also be used to upgrade municipal infrastructure, maximize the use of existing greenspaces, create a new parking area and covered walkway, and provide fully accessible access to the recreation centre and curling club. Improved lighting, bleachers, fencing and washroom facilities will also help improve safety and accessibility at the municipality’s downtown park and playground amenities.

Township of Bonfield
$495,480

To help the community recover from the impacts of COVID-19, the Township of Bonfield will receive FedNor funding of $495,480 to support infrastructure upgrades at Kaibuskong and Centennial Parks. Specific upgrades to Kaibuskong Park include a new splash pad, all-weather outdoor accessible fitness park and a pathway to access the park. Enhancements to Centennial Park’s waterfront area include improving parking, the play structure and picnic area, as well as improving dock access for fishing, kayaking, and outdoor enthusiasts. Once complete, this project will create new spaces for residents and tourists to safely socialize, exercise, play, picnic, walk and interact with nature and the natural beauty of Bonfield.

The Township of Billings
$209,538

To increase tourism and economic opportunities in the Township of Billings, FedNor funding of $209,538 will help transform the downtown ice rink and surrounding greenspace into a multi-use, all-season recreational area. This priority project includes installing a new roof, upgraded lighting, rink boards, player benches and accessibility enhancements to ensure access to those with mobility issues. Once complete, the space will also host an outdoor vendors market, skating rink, Winterfest activities, ice and ball hockey events, as well as social gatherings and community events. This community facility will help strengthen various sectors of economy by attracting more visitors and creating new business opportunities for local vendors.

Township of McGarry
$187,500

FedNor funding of $187,500 through CCRF will enable the Township of McGarry to revitalize its community centre in downtown Virginiatown. The goal of the project is to enhance individual and community well-being by providing a safer, more functional and inviting multi-use facility that promotes participation in physical activity and sport, and in artistic, cultural, social and intellectual activities. Specifically, the funding will be used to purchase and install new exhaust fans, a boiler system, heat recovery ventilators, air purifiers, new windows and an awning at the entrance to protect people from the elements when lining up outdoors while respecting safe physical distancing.

Township of Tehkummah
$134,000

To stimulate economic, recreational and social activity in the community, the Township of Tehkummah will receive a FedNor investment of $134,000 to revitalize the community park and trail system that connects Main Street in South Baymouth to local waterfront areas. This CCRF investment will support improvements  to the Bowerman Nature Trail and John Budd Park, including repairs to the trail bridge and boardwalk, installation of new signage, and the creation of three rest areas with barrier-free benches and picnic tables. The project will also support waterfront enhancements, such as upgrades to the outdoor pavilion including screened walls, concrete pad repairs, a new sound system and stage lighting, as well as upgraded public washrooms, playground equipment and the addition of a recreational vehicle pump station.

Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands
$125,165

To support the revitalization of recreation facilities at Little Current's Low Island Park, the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands will receive FedNor funding of $125,165. The goal of the project is to stimulate increased tourism, recreational and social activity by enhancing this downtown waterfront asset. Specifically, this strategic investment will support the development of a fully accessible running/walking track, upgrades to fencing at the baseball field, and the expansion of the skateboard park to include a pump track, a specialized track with various ramps and walls for use by skateboarders and cyclists.

Township of Nipissing
$62,720

The Township of Nipissing is receiving $62,720 in FedNor funding to purchase and install playground equipment at Heritage Park. Specific additions include play structures for children aged 18 months to 5 years and from 5 to 12 years of age, as well as appropriate ground cover for safety and accessibility. Located in the heart of the community, the structures will be open to the public, serve as an outdoor gathering space, and encourage residents and visitors to visit nearby stores and the local museum.

Township of Hilliard
$56,250

FedNor funding of $56,250 will enable the Township of Hilliard to construct a covered outdoor rink that will be fully accessible and offer year-round access. Once complete, this new outdoor attraction will bring more visitors to the area and provide residents with an inclusive venue where they may exercise, socialize and gather safely. Specifically, this funding will support site preparation, infrastructure upgrades, construction of the concrete base and foundation, as well as the installation of wooden boards with a covering structure. The investment will also be used to build a warming station/changeroom to help ensure user safety in extreme temperatures.

Dorset Community Partnership Fund
$25,000

The Dorset Community Partnership Fund will benefit from FedNor funding of $25,000 to complete infrastructure upgrades to ensure the local church is fully accessible to the mobility-challenged. This 126-year-old community asset provides a multitude of benefits to Dorset and surrounding areas, including serving as a cornerstone of the community’s historical walking tour, delivering community, tourism and economic benefits.  

Northcentral Ontario CCRF initiatives supported by FedNor

City of Elliot Lake
$750,000

The City of Elliot Lake will receive FedNor 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.

Town of Cochrane
$500,000

This targeted investment of $500,000 in FedNor funding will enable the Town of Cochrane to develop a multi-use trail that will run through the community's urban core and connect to several community parks. The trail will help strengthen the community and its economy by providing residents and visitors with easy access to the hospital, childcare centre, local schools and businesses. The new eight-foot-wide pathway will meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act standards, allow for all forms of physical activity, and feature park benches, lighting and waste receptacles.

Wahgoshig First Nation
$500,000

The Wahgoshig First Nation is receiving $500,000 in FedNor funding to build a community playground with a splash pad and to establish an outdoor market space in the heart of the community. The goal of the project is to promote healthy and active living, increase safety, and allow for better use of an open green space. Specifically, the funding will be used to complete site preparation, install a playground structure and splash pad, and complete the required landscaping.

Town of Englehart
$393,750

To increase social, tourism and economic opportunities in the Town of Englehart, FedNor is investing $393,750 to construct a fully accessible covered outdoor recreation pavilion. Identified as a local priority, the pavilion will provide the municipality, local groups and organizations with a venue to host larger outdoor events and watch sports under a safe and accessible structure. Specifically, the funding will be used to complete landscaping, install a cement pad, and erect a prefabricated 50 by 80 foot, free-standing tubular-steel-constructed shelter.

Town of Moosonee
$321,000

FedNor funding of $321,000 will enable the Town of Moosonee to revitalize and enhance its pedestrian experience through improvements to Main Street, Town Square Park, and the Riverside Walking Trail. Specifically, the funding will support the construction of a 1600-metre walking trail, relocation and upgrade of playground equipment, installation of picnic tables and benches, tree planting, as well as upgrading on-street and in-park lighting to improve safety and efficiency.

Town of Kirkland Lake
$285,000

To increase recreation, social and tourism activity in the Town of Kirkland Lake, FedNor is investing $285,000 to revitalize Civic Park. Specifically, the FedNor funding will be used to complete safety, lighting and accessibility upgrades, establish pickleball courts, and build a playground, Fitcore obstacle course, and storage facilities. As the community’s primary outdoor multi-use event centre, the Civic Park upgrades will encourage more residents and visitors to utilize the space, which in turn will promote healthy living and support local businesses which are primarily located adjacent to Civic Park.

Mattagami Region Conservation Authority
$259,811

A FedNor investment of $259,811 will enable the Mattagami Regional Conservation Authority to upgrade its 55-kilometre non-motorized community-wide recreational trail system. This investment will be used to widen the entire trail system to improve accessibility, visibility and physical distancing. It will also be used to establish seating areas with sun shelters, install bilingual signage, and support repairs to eroded trail segments and culverts, as well as upgrade public washroom facilities near the Mountjoy Historical Conservation Area to ensure they are fully accessible. This targeted investment will help the organization stimulate the local economy by enhancing tourism and recreational offerings that are designed to bring people back to public spaces safely as health measures ease.

Township of Chamberlain
$75,000

This targeted investment of $75,000 in FedNor funding will be used to upgrade and modernize outdoor recreational amenities at the Chamberlain municipal park so it is ready to welcome residents and visitors safely. Specifically, the funding will support the installation of a new playground structure and fencing along the baseball field to improve safety for spectators and players. The funding will also be used for new horseshoe pits, a shade structure and required landscaping. Once complete, this priority project will help increase tourism and community engagement, promote healthy active living, increase safety, and allow for better use of this public green space.

Township of Hornepayne
$75,000

To upgrade and improve its community park, the Township of Hornepayne will receive FedNor funding of $75,000. This revitalization initiative will include upgraded landscaping and the purchase and installation of a permanent, accessible two-stall washroom building, solar LED lighting and rubber mulch around the children's play area.

Related Products

• News release: Government of Canada invests over $10.9 million in community infrastructure to fuel revitalization efforts across Northern Ontario

Associated Links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Canada Community Revitalization Fund
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)