The Ontario government is providing more than $4.6 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to fund 11 economic development projects on Manitoulin Island.
Greg Rickford, the Minister of Northern Development made the announcement yesterday while on the Island,, which he says reflects the diverse and transformative impact of the corporation across Manitoulin Island and beyond.
The projects range from rebuilding a fire hall in Billings Township to revitalization of Gore Bay’s downtown, supports to produce a local feature film and more.
The NOHFC is funding the following projects:
$1,595,959 for Sheshegwaning First Nation to build phase one of its Leadership Centre. This includes construction of a gathering space for community functions, displays for the exhibition gallery and interpretative centre, a traditional fire arbor, business incubation areas, and a healing lodge and cultural sanctuary.
$695,832 for the Township of Billings to rebuild its firehall as a functional facility supporting the operation of fire protection services in the community.
$500,000 for the Town of Gore Bay to revitalize its downtown area, enhancing community infrastructure, inviting commercial activity and creating a vibrant and engaging space for residents and visitors alike.
$479,409 for Dada Picture Corp. to produce the feature film DADA – a love story, satire and horror about the complex relationship between a single father and his teenage daughter.
$418,893 for E Corbiere & Sons Contracting, an Indigenous-owned business, to purchase equipment to bolster its business.
$279,810 for the Wikwemikong Development Commission to upgrade its pellet silo storage distribution centre to further reduce Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory’s reliance on fossil fuel.
$200,000 for Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation to install a splash pad on community grounds to create infrastructure that supports physical activity among children and youth.
$200,000 for Palace Hillside Farm to purchase and install a grain drying storage system for its harvested crops.
$161,078 for the Dawson Citizens Improvement Association to repair and upgrade the exterior of the Meldrum Bay Community Hall, increasing accessibility to the facility.
$112,500 for the Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates to create the Channel View Mountain Bike Park by redesigning 80 acres of a former ski hill into mountain bike trails.
$15,347 for the Dawson Citizens Improvement Association to repair the roof of the Meldrum Bay Marina building, a crucial tourism services hub for boaters, campers and residents.