Blind River’s popular marina is about to see further improvement work courtesy of the Canadian government and Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor) grant of $155,000. The money will also go toward revitalization of the downtown.
The announcement today is part of a total grant of $473,000 earmarked for three different projects including Blind River. The other two communities receiving grants include Dawson Citizen’s Improvement Association receiving $254,700 for improvements to Meldrum Bay Marina and Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates which received $64,200 to improve cycling infrastructure on Manitoulin Island.
The application for Blind River was submitted by the town’s facilities and community services director, Karen Bittner.
“To implement the next phase of its’ comprehensive waterfront and downtown revitalization project and help maximize the tourism and economic potential of its waterfront development area, including the construction of a new boardwalk and pavilion, and marketing to promote the site as inclusive and fully accessible,” Bittner stated in her application.
“Blind River recognizes that our water traffic is as important as our highway commuters to our local economy. We are so much more than what you see driving along Hwy 17. We are so grateful that FedNor recognizes our goals that encourage local spending, private investment, and job creation,” said Mayor Sally Hagman.
“Multi-use, accessible spaces provide an opportunity for everyone to stay longer in our community. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy their lunch in comfort while looking at the vista around them. Blind River's Art Gallery and Museum await. And if that isn't enough, you are minutes from a beautiful beach, and adorable downtown shops,” the mayor added.
Together, the three projects are expected to create three new jobs and maintain five tourism-related jobs.
“Canada’s tourism sector and those whose livelihoods depend on it have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and I want them to know that we’re here for them. The federal government has provided support to businesses and workers across the tourism sector since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to provide support to ensure these businesses have what they need to get through COVID-19 and succeed as our economy reopens,” said Melanie Joly, federal minister of economic development and official languages in the federal news release. The ministry supports FedNor.
“Today’s announcement will help Algoma and Manitoulin’s local tourism sector launch a strong recovery and enjoy sustainable growth when travel restrictions ease and our communities, welcome visitors once again, through FedNor, to protect and create jobs, and further positioning Northern Ontario as a world-class destination with so many experiences, attractions and wide-open spaces to discover,” said Terry Sheehan MP for Sault Ste. Marie and parliamentary secretary to Joly.
“We have recognized and committed as a town council that every person has the right to visit and enjoy our waterfront. We will make it accessible for everyone to visit. Our waterfront encourages tourists to visit downtown where people can actively enjoy shopping local and supporting small business,” Hagman said in the FedNor release.
Tourism Week, May 23-30, 2021, is a seven-day event to recognize Canada’s tourism economy, and the impact it has on every community across the country. This year, it aims to recognize the resilience of the industry through this unprecedented time.