Backgrounder
Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network
$1,975,000
For nearly 20 years, the Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network (PMCN) has been promoting the adoption of digital and e-business applications throughout the region. The not-for-profit organization is governed by a geographically and demographically diverse 10-member board of directors.
The Government of Canada is investing $1,000,000 to enable the PMCN to deliver its Business Technology Improvement Fund throughout its service area. The Fund provides high-growth-potential small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with up to $25,000 in non-repayable contributions to support the purchase of digital technologies and other hardware and software solutions. Eligible applicants include SMEs in the following sectors: Advanced manufacturing; agri-food; health/bio-sciences; clean technology; digital, and; resources.
In addition, a federal investment of $975,000 will support the ongoing operations of the PMCN for a three-year period. This will enable the organization to deliver a variety of information and communications technology (ICT) activities throughout the districts of Muskoka and Parry Sound. As part of the initiative, the PSMC will help grow the digital talent base by collaborating with local stakeholders to assess ICT trends and talent gaps, identify and implement solutions to increase skilled talent to support digital industries, coordinate local and regional broadband deployment, and help increase digital technology adoption and awareness.
Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre
$272,410
Established in 1973, the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre (MS & DC) is a not-for-profit organization that owns and operates two passenger vessels seasonally, and the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre year round. These are keystone tourism attractions for Muskoka, offering sightseeing cruises and museum visits to travellers from across Canada and abroad.
A Government of Canada investment of $250,000 will enable the MS&DC to increase tourism and spur economic development opportunities across the Muskoka region. Specifically, the funding will be used to refurbish the historic Wanda III, an elegant 1915-circa yacht, as a solar-powered vessel, allowing it to cruise the Muskoka Lakes once again. The funding will also support the construction of a cultural space to house the Wanda III, an eco walk along the waterfront, and a steam-era exhibit that will help highlight Indigenous communities and the Muskoka region.
An additional investment of $22,410 will allow MS&DC to prepare a master plan to guide the organization over the next five to ten years, with a goal to develop the Discovery Centre as a world-class facility. The master plan will examine ways to introduce new technologies and attract a wider audience by offering engaging, entertaining and educational programing.
The Corporation of the Town of Gravenhurst
$31,500
The Town of Gravenhurst is one of six municipalities that make up the District of Muskoka. It is home to approximately 13,000 permanent year-round residents and welcomes a seasonal population of equal size to enjoy the many hiking & biking trails, parks, beaches, heritage locations, culinary, cultural and artistic attractions.
The Government of Canada is investing $31,500 to help promote tourism, while creating youth employment in the Muskoka region. The funding will enable the Corporation of the Town of Gravenhurst to hire a youth intern to help identify and prioritize economic opportunities in the Gravenhurst area. More specifically, the intern will play a key role in implementing the town's Tourism Destination Strategy and its Aerospace Cluster and Attraction Strategy. The youth intern will also be responsible for expanding the Town's Secret Business Shopper Program and coordinate community engagement for the Muskoka Wharf Revitalization Action Plan.
