Seine River First Nation, ON – Citizens and businesses of Seine River First Nation in Northwestern Ontario will benefit from new economic opportunities thanks to a Government of Canada investment of more than $1.15 million in support of two local projects.
The funding was announced today by Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Rainy River, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedNor.
First, a FedNor investment of $812,242 will enable the Seine River First Nation to construct a multi-use centre. The two-level, 8,000-square-foot facility is expected to become a focal point for economic and tourism development in the community. In addition to being used to offer business services and training programs, the multi-use centre will also provide a venue to host large gatherings and provide space for new commercial ventures for local artisans and entrepreneurs.
The remaining $373,410 will support infrastructure repairs and upgrades to transform the community’s fishing camp into a multi-experience Indigenous tourism destination, blending outdoor activities with unique Indigenous cultural influences and programming for all guests. Specifically, the funding will support repairs to the camp’s electrical and power systems, upgrades to cabin and docking facilities, repairs to the boathouse, upgrades to the potable water system and to the wastewater treatment system. The project will engage green practices such as solar power, as well as wind and water turbines for electricity.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support strategic infrastructure initiatives that help First Nations, such as Seine River, foster entrepreneurship, business growth and economic development, as well as provide local residents with a facility where they can come together as a community,” comments Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.
“These priority projects will address a community need for facilities to foster and promote local entrepreneurs and artisans, host tourism events, and strengthen ties and partnerships with other communities. By investing to help build this multi-use centre and upgrade the community’s fishing camp, our government is strengthening the economic outlook for the citizens of Seine River First Nation,” states Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Rainy River.
“We are excited to partner with the Government of Canada through FedNor to strengthen local tourism and create new business opportunities in our community. I am pleased that the federal government recognizes our unique needs and is investing to make our community a better place to live, work and visit,” says Thomas Johnson, Chief of Seine River First Nation
Quick facts
- The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
- The Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario outlines the Government of Canada’s approach to ensure the region can fully benefit from the national Innovation and Skills Plan. It is focused on three key economic development areas: supporting innovation; growing companies; and building stronger communities.
