The province announced $2.7 million for projects in Northwestern Ontario, and almost half of that money will be coming to the Rainy River District.
The more than $1.54 million in funding directed at the Rainy River District included money for a new scenic parkway and support for the Reinventing Fort Frances feasibility study.
“I am pleased that today’s announcement touches on so many important sectors of the northern economy,” said Jim Wilson, the new Northern Development and Mines minister and chair of Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.
“By improving community infrastructure, by helping expand opportunities in tourism, agriculture and telecommunications, we are strengthening the foundation for growth, job creation and prosperity in Northwestern Ontario,” he added.
Fort Frances will received $1,197,900 to complete the La Verendrye Scenic parkway from the Sorting Gap Marina to Victoria Ave.
The park will include bicycle paths, a barrier-free walkway, interpretive historical displays, enhancement of local fish habitat, seating areas and more than 40 boat slips for rental.
Total cost of the project, which is expected to be completed this year, is $2.3 million.
Rainy River Future Development Corporation will receive $147,400 to install draining tiles on agricultural land in the area. More than 500 acres of farmland will be tiled in the districts first drainage project.
The “Re-inventing Fort Frances” committee will also receive $39,000 to help pay for a feasibility study to determine the potential for tourism here as the gateway to Northwestern Ontario for U.S. visitors.
A University of Guelph/New Liskeard agricultural research station five-year-research project, in conjunction with Abitibi-Consolidated and Voyageur Panel in Barwick, received $157,554 from the province. The goal is to develop a source of feedstock from forest products industry in the Rainy River District.
Fort Frances wasn’t the only town to receive funds. The Township of Lake of the Woods will received $100,000 for road upgrades, a better water supply to be tapped and new fire fighting equipment. While the Township of Dawson also received $100,000 for the conversion of a municipal garage into a fire hall, an improved heating system, new non-portable well for filling fire trucks and road upgrades.
Wilson made the announcement as he met with municipal leaders at the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association’s annual conference in Thunder Bay.
