Thunder Bay FedNor Funding – Jobs, did I mention Jobs?
THUNDER BAY – Minister Greg Rickford addressed a large luncheon audience at the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay today.
The Minister shared how over the past weeks he has been across Canada and has enjoyed being a passionate advocate for Northwestern Ontario and specifically for the Kenora Riding.
Earlier the Minister addressed a press conference with announcements of $3million dollars in infrastructure funding.
Repeatedly though both the announcement, and in his luncheon speech, the Minister came back to the theme of jobs.
FedNor Funding Announcement
City of Thunder Bay $1,500,000 With a FedNor investment of $1 million, the City of Thunder Bay will renovate and leverage city-owned commercial space in the downtown core to attract new companies and highly skilled professionals to the area as part of the municipality’s downtown revitalization strategy. An additional $500,000 will be used by the city to upgrade the Delaney Arena and track facility, enabling Thunder Bay to host larger provincial, national and international sporting events.
Thunder Bay Ventures $927,500
A FedNor contribution of $900,000, made available through its Community Futures Program, will enable Thunder Bay Ventures to provide small and medium-sized enterprises with access to capital and business counselling services for a three-year period. Thunder Bay Ventures is one of 24 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDC) funded by FedNor to serve Northern Ontario businesses and communities. CFDCs are community-based, not-for-profit organizations run by volunteer boards, and staffed by experienced business and economic development professionals.
An additional $27,500 investment is being used by Thunder Bay Ventures to fund a youth intern for a one-year period. The intern’s responsibilities will include coordinating the CFDC’s youth entrepreneurial project that encompasses its Enter the Den business planning competition, as well as organizing classroom and luncheon presentations by business owners.
Whitesand First Nation $333,897
Whitesand First Nation, located near the Township of Armstrong, will use $333,897 in FedNor funding to complete detailed engineering costs and an environment assessment study in preparation for the construction of a 3-megawatt (MW) combined heat and power cogeneration facility and pellet manufacturing plant near the community. The facility would help reduce the community’s dependence on diesel for its energy needs.
The Friends of Chippewa Park $49,995
FedNor funding of $49,995 will enable this not-for-profit organization to enhance its marketing efforts in Northwestern Ontario and bordering American states, install new signage, and conduct trail improvements to boost tourism and increase visitor traffic and improve visitor experience at Chippewa Park. Located on the shores of Lake Superior, the 200-acre-park is owned and operated by the City of Thunder Bay.
Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association $49,772
A FedNor contribution of $49,772 will assist the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, in partnership with Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Lakehead University, to host the 2013 Canadian
Rural Revitalization Foundation’s national annual conference in Thunder Bay. Taking place October 23-27, 2013, the conference will bring together more than 200 key economic players from a variety of sectors such as: economic development officers, government and First Nation representatives, and academics from across Canada, to share knowledge, research and lessons learned regarding rural development.
Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (BZA) $40,000
BZA, also known as Rocky Bay First Nation, which is located on the eastern shore of Lake Nipigon, will complete a comprehensive economic strategic plan with a FedNor investment of $40,000. The funding will be used to hire a consultant who will facilitate community consultations and recommend priority development opportunities, to help ensure the sustainable long-term prosperity of the community.
IDEAS Software & Training Inc. $27,500
This software application development and training services company will use a FedNor contribution of $27,500 to hire a youth intern for a one-year period to assist with the development of a software solutions product. The initiative will assist IDEAS Software & Training to expand into new markets and respond to client demand, fueling further growth.
Wilderness North $27,500
With $27,500 in FedNor funding, Wilderness North, a fly-in fishing tourist company, will hire a youth intern for a one-year period to conduct market research to expand business opportunities through the development of aerial fishing and tourism packages. This initiative will help Wilderness North to expand its outreach efforts and attract new money to the region and build visitor traffic and experience in the region.
Sencia Canada Ltd. $23,950
A FedNor investment of $23,950 is being used by this website and software development company to employ a youth intern for a one-year period. The intern’s primary responsibilities include helping the company determine more efficient and strategic methods of conducting quality and assurance testing. The work will enable the company to grow and enhance its client services.
Sleeping Giant Brewery Co. Limited $17,500
The craft brewery, based in Thunder Bay, has plans to expand its business. With a FedNor contribution of $17,500, Sleeping Giant Brewery Co. will recruit a youth intern for a one-year period to oversee marketing initiatives, support product development, establish new business partnerships and implement an online marketing strategy, to generate more growth.
