The tourism industry is a key piece of the regional economy of Northern Ontario. It not only helps create jobs, but in municipalities, it often supports the development and expansion of shared public spaces.

The Government of Canada recognizes that supporting public spaces positively impacts not just the local economy, but also the quality of life for residents. Enhancing these spaces improves the well-being of communities by creating recreational, economic, and artistic opportunities.

This week, Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, announced a FedNor investment of $157,500 through the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) in the Municipality of Killarney. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

This funding will support the Municipality of Killarney in planning the reconstruction and expansion of the main wharf on the waterfront. Specifically, this investment will allow the municipality to engage an engineering firm to undertake detailed re-engineering of the main wharf, which will include community design consultations. This project will create additional docking space for visiting boaters as well as tours and cruise ships while also providing event space for cultural events and an expanded seasonal farmers’ market. The improvements to the main wharf will expand local tourism infrastructure, stimulate the local economy, provide an upgraded shared space for public use, and improve the quality of life of people and their families in the area.

Quotes

“Shared public spaces bring people together and investing in those spaces helps them grow. This project demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting communities of every size, and to developing regional economies that raise every community. We are helping the tourism industry not just recover, but thrive.”

• The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

“I am happy announce this initiative, which will benefit not only residents of Killarney and the Nickel Belt, but all the future tourists who will visit the area. Creating dynamic projects like this encourages both tourists and residents to enjoy all the great things this area has to offer. Not only will this improve quality of life by supporting the local economy, it will also help people connect to and enjoy their shared public space.”

• Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages

“This FedNor support is exciting not just for Killarney, but for anyone visiting the area. Investing in the Gateway to the North Channel will not only benefit our local economy and residents, but it will also benefit anyone wanting to access the natural treasures around us. This project is going to be a vibrant attraction for tourists and locals alike, and FedNor’s support is making that possible.”

• Nancy Wirtz, Mayor of Killarney

Quick Facts

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) / Community Economic Development Priority for Northern Ontario which recognizes the unique challenges facing Northern Ontario communities, many of which are small, rural and remote, and targets support to help them create the conditions necessary for economic growth and development.
  • This includes investments in projects such as strategic community and business planning, strengthening of communities’ industrial and business assets, implementation of priority initiatives, as well as support for youth internships.
• Eligible recipients will include not-for-profit organizations such as community economic development agencies, Indigenous and Francophone organizations, and industry and business associations, networks, or alliances; municipalities or municipal organizations; and First Nations in Ontario.

Media Contact
Matthew Ierino
Special Assistant, Marc G. Serré MP for Nickel Belt
[email protected]
705-507-2416