Building and strengthening the economy of the Rainy River region for long-term success
News release
Government of Canada investment to help three communities pursue business and economic development
November 13, 2018 – Rainy River, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Local families and businesses will benefit from new economic opportunities thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $270,000. This investment through FedNor's Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario (CIINO), will help the Town of Rainy River and the Townships of Lake of the Woods and Dawson hire an Economic Development Officer (EDO) for a three-year period.
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.
The EDO will work with a number of stakeholders, including the neighbouring First Nation communities of Big Grassy River and Naongashiing, to help area businesses expand and increase their exports to the U.S. market, stimulate the local agricultural sector, and diversify the Rainy River economy through the promotion of the region's burgeoning mining sector. The project builds on the recent development of a Regional Economic Development Plan and aims to identify and stimulate business investment and growth in the west-end of the Rainy River district
"Our government is proud to support communities in their efforts to stimulate economic and business growth, strengthen the labour force and create opportunities for its residents. Today's announcement will help Rainy River pursue a variety of economic development initiatives that will generate business opportunities, private-sector investments and good-paying jobs throughout the district."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
"This investment will enable the partner communities to take charge of their economic future. Thanks to our government's support, the new Economic Development Officer will be able to engage local residents, businesses and volunteers, as well as nearby organizations and First Nations, to determine the most effective means of achieving economic, business and community development for the benefit of local families."
Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River
"We are very pleased that FedNor has agreed to fund our three-year Economic Development Officer position. It will be a huge benefit to us to have a person focused on expanding key regional economic sectors, promoting investment attraction, and increasing regional collaboration and partnerships throughout the Rainy River district."
Deborah J. Ewald, Mayor of the Town of Rainy River
"With all three communities (Lake of the Woods, Dawson, Rainy River) working together as one, we were able to achieve our goal of getting an Economic Development Officer even though it took a long time. I don't think we would be at this point if we went it alone. Looking forward to success in moving onward."
Colleen Fadden, Mayor of the Township of Lake of the Woods
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.
