Wawa is one of three northern Ontario communities to receive government funding to help create and advance economic development.
An investment of $774,057 will enable the Townships of Wawa ($297,000), Hornepayne ($245,250), and Dubreuilville ($231,807) to hire or retain an Economic Development Officer (EDO) to help create jobs, strengthen the economy, and position the region for sustainable growth and prosperity. Key areas of focus for EDOs will include broadband expansion, strategic planning, investment and workforce readiness, tourism, mining, forestry, business support and housing.
For more information, see the press release below.
WAWA – Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors, announced Government of Canada investments totaling $972,057 to help create and advance community economic development opportunities in Northcentral Ontario. The funding will support four projects that will diversify and grow the economy, while helping to maximize the economic potential of municipalities and rural and Indigenous communities in the region. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
An investment of $774,057 will enable the Townships of Wawa ($297,000), Hornepayne ($245,250), and Dubreuilville ($231,807) to hire or retain an Economic Development Officer (EDO). Those skilled positions will advance local economic priorities to help create jobs, strengthen the economy, and position the region for sustainable growth and prosperity. Key areas of focus for EDOs will include broadband expansion, strategic planning, investment and workforce readiness, tourism, mining, forestry, business support and housing.
An additional investment of $198,000 will help Michipicoten First Nation (MFN) to hire a forestry technician for a three-year period. Among the technician’s activities will be: finalizing and implementing the MFN community forestry strategy, creating development agenda and partnerships between MFN and forestry industry partners, developing forest management planning partnerships, and representing MFN on various regional forest management planning corporations.
Quotes
“This is an investment in the economic growth of Northern Ontario. It will help local businesses seize new opportunities and create good-paying jobs for families in Wawa, Hornepayne, Dubreuilville, and Michipicoten First Nation. This is part of our plan to build an economy that is fairer for people in Northern Ontario.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Algoma region is one of the most beautiful parts of Canada, but it’s also an area with great potential. These investments are going to ensure that local needs are addressed by local professionals using local knowledge. By supporting small towns and communities, FedNor and the Government of Canada are supporting people who love their communities. Economic development comes from seizing opportunities, and these investments will allow their communities to do exactly that.”
- Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors
“Our community is often recognized by our famous goose monument and stunning local landscape, but Wawa has so much more to offer. An Economic Development Officer will allow us to support and expand new and existing businesses and push our local development initiatives to the next level. We are proud to partner with the Government of Canada and look forward to the benefits this investment will bring.”
- Melanie Pilon, Mayor, Township of Wawa
“Today’s announcement means we can retain an Economic Development Officer on staff for three more years. We have a talented individual in the role that has already helped us achieve some impressive results for the community. Over the past three years, we have been able to increase business, residential and commercial development, attract a 44-room hotel, and more. This has been a very successful endeavour and I am thankful to FedNor for helping make it happen.”
- Cheryl Fort, Mayor, Township of Hornepayne
“Having a full-time economic development professional on staff has been a gamechanger for community development, growth and job creation. We are thrilled that FedNor recognizes the importance of this role and is investing to extend the position for an additional three years so we can build on our successes and pursue new opportunities.”
- Beverly Nantel, Mayor, Township of Dubreuilville
“We are excited to have received FedNor funding to hire staff who understand our goals and have the knowledge and expertise to strengthen and grow a key sector of our economy. Hiring a Forestry Technician for a three-year period gives us a dedicated resource with the focus of implementing our Community Forestry Strategy.”
- Patricia Tangie, Gimaa Kwe, Chief, Michipicoten First Nation