Federal agency launches revised growth strategy for northern Ontario

The federal government has launched its newly-revised Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, a document that aims to address the region's economic challenges and opportunities over the next five years.

"It's a strategy for FedNor to be able to really understand what companies, what small business, what community groups are trying to do to stimulate and protect the economy of northern Ontario," said Patty Hajdu, MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, Minister of Jobs and Families, and Minister Responsible for FedNor.

"This is a refresh of a strategy that was put into place and about 2017," she said at a media event in Thunder Bay on Thursday morning. "We want to make sure that as the situation evolves and as the economy evolves, as we see new challenges and new opportunities, that the strategy remains fresh."

Hajdu said the plan was revised with input from businesses and organizations in the region.

"I was at a number of the consultations last year and the consultations were really informative," she said. "People talked about not only the threats to the northern Ontario economy, but the real opportunity, including increased mining activity and increased tourism."

In a statement, Rick Dumas, president of the Northern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA), said the revamped strategy is "a positive step forward in recognizing the distinct needs and potential of our region."

"We are eager to work hand in hand with the federal government through FedNor to ensure our communities are not just
included, but prioritized, in the growth of Northern Ontario. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient municipalities that offer opportunity and quality of life for all residents."

FedNor also announced funding for a number of tourism programs in northwestern Ontario on Thursday. They include:

• About $976,000 for the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company, which will be used renovate and equip a new manufacturing facility in Kenora (some of the funds were also used to build the Brewer's Village, a tourism destination).
• $250,000 for the Rossport Harbour Non-Profit Marina, to complete infrastructure upgrades.
• About $214,000 to support Thunder Bay's Festival BONJOUR.
• $125,000 to develop a new pavilion on Kenora's waterfront.
• $125,000 to enhance tourism and economic activity in Atikokan.
• $99,000 to help strengthen Rainy River's tourism sector.
• And about $16,000 for the installation of two interactive tourism kiosks in Nipigon.

Paul Pepe, Thunder Bay's tourism manager, said the funding shows the federal government's commitment to tourism in the region.

"Tourism is an important part of a diversified economy of our region," he said. "Right now more than ever we need to improve infrastructure, we need to improve programming, supporting festivals, events, tourism initiatives, destination development initiatives like the Culinary Tourism Alliance, to attract more Canadians, and also to attract more international markets as well."

Pepe said Thunder Bay is seeing a "strong tourism season" this year.

"We're seeing a lot of Canadians are choosing to explore Canada this year," he said. "They're spending their money domestically, which is fantastic, and we've got to keep that sustainable."

But, Pepe said, it's also important to attract new international visitors.

"We're still having a strong US year here in Thunder Bay, in our area," he said. "We're really happy to see them continuing to visit Canada. But we also need to expand internationally, not just as a city or as a region, but nationally."

"Canada has an opportunity right now to reach new international travel markets who are looking at North America," he said. "These investments help. They help grow our domestic tourism industry, but they also set us up for success in the future in attracting new international markets as well."