NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY – Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Energy and Natural Resources and Official Languages, today announced a FedNor investment of $147,000 for two projects that will pave the way for new opportunities for Francophones and businesses in West Nipissing and surrounding areas. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

As part of the announcement, the Conseil des Arts de Nipissing Ouest received $97,000 to develop a strategic plan. Designed to improve programming, services and profitability, the plan will help guide future decision making and serve as a roadmap for the organization so it can expand, enhance programming and maximize its social and economic impact on the region. Provided through FedNor’s Economic Development Initiative (EDI), this project supports the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration. The Action Plan for Official Languages represents $1.4 billion over five years in new investments in the form of 32 new or enhanced measures to be implemented under four pillars: Francophone immigration, official language learning, community development and government leading by example.

The remaining $50,000 will help pave the way for the Municipality of West Nipissing to transform the former Sturgeon Falls mill site into prime business development property. Specifically, the funding will be used to complete a Phase II Environmental Assessment so the municipality can develop a remediation strategy for the property. Strategically located on Trans-Canada Highway 17, near the Highway 11 junction, the redevelopment of this 27-acre parcel of land will create new social and economic opportunities including business development and growth, affordable housing, and re-establishing a strong connection between the community and the Sturgeon River through the creation of a vibrant riverfront park and mixed-use urban space.

Quotes

“Francophone communities are at the heart of our region, and we're stronger because of them. We will always be there to protect the French language and the rights of Francophones. These investments will create new opportunities for francophone businesses in Sturgeon Falls. It will create good jobs for the communities and help build an economy that's fairer for Francophones.”  - The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

“West Nipissing’s cultural scene compliments its active business community. By supporting Conseil des Arts de Nipissing Ouest (CANO) and the Municipality of West Nipissing we are helping create a sustainable Northern Ontario where social and economic development opportunities can flourish. Congratulations! I look forward to seeing the plans for the Sturgeon Falls mill site and CANO progress.”- Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Energy and Natural Resources and Official Languages

“We are pleased that FedNor recognizes the unique needs of Official Language Minority Communities and is investing to help us improve services to Francophones living and working in the region. CANO is a cultural tourism and entertainment engine for West Nipissing and this strategic plan will help us continue to thrive and build an inclusive community where life is good in French.” - Marc Lavigne, Executive Director and Board Chair, Conseil des Arts de Nipissing Ouest

“We are grateful for FedNor's continued support in fostering the growth and vitality of our community. West Nipissing embodies a vibrant and growing spirit, and these investments demonstrate the Government of Canada’s shared commitment to our vision. These local investments will help pave the way for us to transform the former mill site into a dynamic mixed-use urban area and create endless social and economic opportunities.” - Kathleen Thorne Rochon, Mayor, Municipality of West Nipissing

Quick facts

• The funds announced today are provided through two of FedNor’s programs that support economic diversification and growth in Northern Ontario. These programs include:
  • The Northern Ontario Development Program, through which FedNor invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.
  • The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) for Northern Ontario, through which FedNor invests in projects that encourage economic growth in the region’s Francophone communities, allowing them to capitalize on economic opportunities made possible through the use of both official languages.
• The Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario identifies investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities in the region as a key action.

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: canada.ca
• Follow us on X: @FedNor

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Media Contact:
Kaylie Dudgeon – Communications Manager
Marc G. Serré  MP Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister Energy and Natural Resources an Parliamentary Secretary of Official Languages
705-507-2416
[email protected]