FedNor funding helps local tourism organization adopt storytelling technology to facilitate self-guided tours

NICKEL BELT-GREATER SUDBURY – Tourism is an inclusive sector that showcases Canada’s culture, diversity, natural beauty and unique experiences to the world. It delivers economic benefits across the country by supporting one in ten jobs. During these challenging times, the Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to ensure tourism businesses and organizations are well positioned to be part of our economic recovery and emerge from it stronger and more competitive than ever before. Innovation is essential to making this a reality, which is why FedNor is working at the local level to support technology adoption, create jobs and strengthen this important sector of Northern Ontario’s economy.

Today, Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced a FedNor investment of $16,400 to modernize the visitor experience at the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre (NORMHC).

Specifically, the FedNor funding will allow the NORMHC to purchase and customize a mobile app to facilitate self-guided tours of the facility and its railyards. This new tourism experience will feature a dramatic storytelling narrative to engage visitors as they explore an important era in Canadian history and the everyday lives of the people that helped create Northern Ontario’s rail network.

This builds upon previous FedNor investment for the museum totalling over $90,000 announced in 2018. This funding supported the restoration of steam locomotive #219 and enhanced the preservation of local history.

Quotes

“Our tourism sector and the 1.8 million people it employs across Canada have been hard hit by COVID-19, and we are here for them. We are working with businesses, organizations, and local governments to reopen the economy and help Canadian tourism regain its strength. Our message to the sector and those whose livelihoods depend on it is clear: we were here for you with immediate measures and we’re here for you now as our economy reopens. We will get through this together – stronger than ever before.” - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Self-guided app tours are a safe and exciting way for people to explore the history of Northern Ontario railways, while supporting the economic recovery of our region. I’m pleased that FedNor is stepping up to help the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre modernize its operations with new technologies designed to help them adapt to the new realities facing our tourism industry. NORMHC has strong community roots and it is exciting to watch them continue to grow their capacity with innovative and entertaining initiatives that draw in visitors. Looking forward to taking part in this tour!” - Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt

“By providing fun, safe and engaging new ways for visitors to explore our facilities, we are creating a more complete tourism experience, so people keep coming back with their family and friends. This exciting project will help us stay ahead of the curve by adopting new technologies that increase efficiencies and maximize the visitor experience.” - Stu Thomas, President of the Board, Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre

Quick Facts

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
• Located in Capreol, Ontario, the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on preserving historical artefacts that pay tribute to the heritage of Northern Ontario and the history of the lumbering, mining and railroad industries.

Associated Links

• Government of Canada COVID-19 Resources for tourism businesses
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor
• Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA

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Media Contact:

Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant
Marc G. Serré, MP Nickel Belt
705-897-2222
[email protected]