WAWA – The Ontario government says it is providing more than $550,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. (NOHFC) to three economic development projects in the Wawa area.
The funding will improve community infrastructure, promote Indigenous culture, create jobs, and boost tourism and recreational opportunities in the northeast, according to Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford.
“Since modernizing the NOHFC programming, our government has invested in more multi-purpose places and spaces than ever before,” Rickford said in a news release Thursday. “The projects we are recognizing today demonstrate our commitment to improving traveller experience and overall quality of life for families in Michipicoten First Nation and across the Wawa region.”
The NOHFC is funding the following projects:
- $246,000 for the Municipality of Wawa to update the Wawa Municipal Airport terminal by building an accessible washroom, purchasing an outdoor sand shelter to maintain runways during the winter, and installing comfortable seating, flip-up tables and electrical and USB outlets in the lobby area
- $198,000 for Michipicoten First Nation (MFN) to develop MFN Common – an open-air market and cultural space adjacent to TransCanada Highway 17 where community members can sell traditional products and host events that teach local Indigenous history and culture
- $108,848 for the Municipality of Wawa to upgrade the Michipicoten Golf Club by installing an emission-free electric pump engine for the irrigation system, mounting a metal roof on the clubhouse, and building an accessible ramp and rear deck for the clubhouse.
"Our government is utilizing the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to its full potential to enhance communities for everyone to enjoy,” said Will Bouma, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs.
“Today’s investments will improve community assets like the airport and golf course to ensure that tourism thrives, while ensuring that First Nations communities have culturally appropriate spaces where they can share their art, products and history.”
"This critical funding will support terminal building improvements and make accessible its washroom facilities, as well as purchase a sand dome for improved runway operations," Wawa Mayor Melanie Pilon said.
"The airport provides a critical service to the community including Alamos Gold Inc. who has also contributed to this project. The Municipality would not have been able to upgrade its airport facilities without the support of Alamos Gold Inc. and NOHFC. Thank you, Minister Rickford and the NOHFC board and staff for the support.”
"While Michipicoten First Nation's residential community is off the beaten path, the MFN Common offers a highly visible and welcoming presence along the TransCanada Highway for Michipicoten First Nation to engage with the wider community," said Micheal Reid, director of operations for Michipicoten First Nation.
"With the help of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, we were able to create a great space for all to enjoy.”
Added Maury O’Neill, Wawa's CAO/Clerk: "The golf club provides several jobs and a place for residents and visitors of all ages to gather and socialize while enjoying a popular sport and pastime. The needed repairs to the clubhouse deck, roof and irrigation pump house will extend the life of the facility where many annual events take place that support local organizations like the Wawa Legion and Chadwic Women’s Shelter. The golf course helps to attract and retain visitors to the community, contributing to the local economy and, with the support of NOHFC, will be around for years to come.”
Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $790 million in 6,464 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,930 jobs, according to the province.