$100,000 investment from the Government of Canada enables upgrades at the Mid-Canada Centre of Rowing Excellence
Kenora, ON – Residents, families and businesses in Kenora are experiencing first-hand the benefits from key infrastructure upgrades at the world-class Kenora Rowing Club facility thanks to a $100,000 investment from the Government of Canada.
The funding was announced today by the Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedNor.
The investment supported enhancements at the 2.2-kilometre-long Rabbit Lake facility, including improved courses, a start and finish tower, accessible athlete transition and staging areas, and improved site and emergency access. These upgrades were crucial in supporting the community’s efforts to host the rowing events of the 2017 Canada Summer Games, which wrapped up last week and which attracted hundreds of athletes, coaches and spectators to the area.
The infrastructure investment was allocated under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, a $300-million funding that was established to celebrate Canada’s 150 birthday through investments in the community spaces that bring Canadians together. Of that amount, up to $10.4 million is being invested across Northern Ontario.
“This investment is a nation-building project to mark our nation’s 150th anniversary. There’s no better way to mark this milestone than to celebrate the places that bring us together – the places that allow us to stay fit, unwind and connect with our friends and neighbours. That’s how we establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship in a country where people come from every corner of the world. The values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define all Canadians are forged in our community spaces,” says Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.
“Today’s announcement supports a vital infrastructure project that will contribute to the long-term growth and prosperity of this community. This will certainly be a positive step forward to encourage additional economic development in the Kenora region and further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that delivers economic growth and opportunities for Northerners,” states Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora.
“We are thrilled for this Government of Canada investment in support of the Kenora Rowing Club. The funding allowed us to host the 2017 Canada Summer Games’ rowing events, during which we showcased the venue to athletes, coaches and officials and promoted the site for future event opportunities. This event and the development of the Mid-Canada Rowing Centre of Excellence will contribute to local tourism and economic development for many years to come,” says Tim Wehner, Past President of the Kenora Rowing Club.
Quick Facts
- To date, the Kenora district has benefited from a total of $1.5 million for 26 projects under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program that was announced in 2015.
