FedNor invests almost $300K in Wawa’s economic development
Wawa is one of three northern Ontario communities to receive government funding to help create and advance economic development, with the township receiving almost $300,000.
Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan announced that the Government of Canada is investing $972,057 to help create and advance community economic development opportunities in northcentral Ontario while in Wawa, Ont., on July 26, 2024. (Supplied/FedNor)
An investment of $774,057 will enable the Townships of Wawa, Hornepayne and Dubreuilville to hire or retain economic development officers to help create jobs, strengthen the economy and position the region for growth.
The officers will focus on broadband expansion, strategic planning, tourism, mining, forestry, business support, housing and workforce readiness.
Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan announced that the Government of Canada is investing a total of $972,057 to help create and advance community economic development opportunities in northcentral Ontario.
“The funding will support four projects that will diversify and grow the economy, while helping to maximize the economic potential of municipalities and rural and Indigenous communities in the region,” FedNor officials said in a news release.
The funds announced were provided through two of FedNor’s programs that support economic diversification and growth in northern Ontario. The Northern Ontario Development Program and Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario enable communities and First Nations to increase the number of community or regional economic development initiatives implemented with the goal of creating jobs, increasing business investments and encouraging regional collaboration and partnerships.
“This is an investment in the economic growth of northern Ontario,” said Patty Hajdu, the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
“It will help local businesses seize new opportunities and create good-paying jobs for families in Wawa, Hornepayne, Dubreuilville, and Michipicoten First Nation. This is part of our plan to build an economy that is fairer for people in northern Ontario.”
Part of the funding announced was an additional investment of $198,000 will help Michipicoten First Nation (MFN) to hire a forestry technician for three years to finalize and implement the MFN forestry strategy and develop regional forestry partnerships.
“Algoma region is one of the most beautiful parts of Canada, but it’s also an area with great potential,” said Sheehan.
“These investments are going to ensure that local needs are addressed by local professionals using local knowledge. By supporting small towns and communities, FedNor and the Government of Canada are supporting people who love their communities.”
Wawa received $297,000 for its economic development officer recruitment.
“Our community is often recognized by our famous goose monument and stunning local landscape, but Wawa has so much more to offer,” said the mayor of Wawa, Melanie Pilon.
“An Economic Development Officer will allow us to support and expand new and existing businesses and push our local development initiatives to the next level.”
Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan announced that the Government of Canada is investing $972,057 to help create and advance community economic development opportunities in northcentral Ontario while in Wawa, Ont., on July 26, 2024. (Supplied/FedNor)
“Economic development comes from seizing opportunities, and these investments will allow their communities to do exactly that,” added Sheehan.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
2 hospitalized, suspects sought after 'extreme case of road rage' in B.C.: RCMP
Mounties in B.C.'s Lower Mainland are searching for two people allegedly responsible for a road rage incident that sent a couple to hospital with serious injuries, saying the suspects could be in another province.
Why is this village in Quebec facing a 370 per cent property tax hike?
Residents in the small Quebec village of Danford Lake may soon be priced out of their homes, as property valuations and taxes are set to skyrocket.
Calgary's police chief speaks out against Alberta's anticipated photo radar crackdown
Calgary’s police chief has issued a grave warning about the potential impact of further restrictions on photo radar use in Alberta.
Woman who died in B.C. jail cell had asked to be taken to hospital twice, report shows
A woman who died from drug toxicity while in a B.C. jail cell asked to be taken to hospital twice in the hours after she was taken into custody in a case the province's police watchdog says again raises concerns over the treatment of intoxicated prisoners.
James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, 'The Lion King' and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.
Romeo Dallaire now recovered from severe infection: CTV News Exclusive
Romeo Dallaire is ready to return to public life again this fall after a serious health scare forced the retired lieutenant-general to postpone his cross-country book tour in March.
White Stripes sue Donald Trump over use of 'Seven Nation Army' riff in social media post
The White Stripes sued former U.S. president Donald Trump on Monday in a case that alleges he used their hit song 'Seven Nation Army' without permission in a video posted to social media.
Alberta protesters get 6 1/2-year sentences for roles in Coutts border blockade
One of two men sentenced Monday to 6 1/2 years for firearms violations and mischief at the border blockade at Coutts, Alta., says the time he has already spent behind bars has changed him and his "solemn weapon” is now love.
'You can't miss Luke Skywalker': Mark Hamill spotted filming in Manitoba town
Star Wars icon Mark Hamill rode through the streets of Stonewall, Man. last month filming scenes atop what looked to be an Army vehicle for the upcoming film adaptation of Stephen King's "The Long Walk."