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.

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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.”

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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.