July 25, 2019 - North Bay, ON - Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Tourism is an inclusive sector that showcases Canada's culture, diversity, natural beauty and unique experiences to the world. It delivers economic benefits across the country by supporting one in ten jobs. That's why the Government of Canada is investing in our tourism sector's businesses and assets.
Today, Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, announced funding of $150,000 to support the Rotary Club of North Bay. This investment is being made through the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), which supports Canadian businesses and organizations seeking to create, improve or enhance tourism products, facilities and experiences. This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie.
Thanks to our government's support for projects like this one, Canadians and visitors to Canada will be able to experience a new 6,000-sq.-ft. splash pad, accessible change rooms and washroom facilities while visiting North Bay's downtown waterfront area. Sun shelters with benches and tables, as well as landscaping upgrades will also help enhance tourism throughout the region by attracting more people to this prominent area of the community.
This announcement takes place in the wake of Minister Joly's announcement of the new tourism strategy: Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. The Strategy, which was developed based on feedback from Canadians and the work of the Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy, highlights the importance of Canada's tourism sector as an economic driver for communities across the country.
Quotes
"These investments will enable communities and businesses in all regions of the country to develop tourism products and experiences to attract more tourists year-round. This will help communities big and small reap the benefits of the global tourism boom to diversify their economies and create good jobs for middle-class families while showcasing Canada's brand, centred on shared values of diversity and equality."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"Innovation doesn't only happen in big cities; it happens in all regions of Canada. That's why our regional development agencies play an important role in helping businesses turn innovation into economic growth and good jobs for Canadians. Through the Canada Experience Fund, our government is investing in the development of our tourism sector and the economic potential of our vibrant communities."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"Families, communities and visitors throughout the region will all greatly benefit from today's announcement. Our government's strategic investment in this important local tourism infrastructure project will provide a tremendous boost for businesses in the region by creating new entertainment experiences and opportunities to expand festivals and events."
- Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming
"Our family of Rotary has been working jointly for over 10 years planning the Splashpad for our city after seeing the city's Downtown Waterfront Master Plan. Now it is a reality thanks to all levels of government and a very generous community! Family and friends can now enjoy our beautiful waterfront even more with the addition of the Splashpad, which will also include picnic tables, sunshades, benches and of course wind-proofing via landscaping. What a great day for the families of our community."
- Angela Knight van Schaayk, , President, Rotary Club of North Bay
"Growing up on Lake Nipissing I always enjoyed playing in the enormous and refreshing waves on a hot summers day. Now with this new splash pad, and thanks to the generosity of the people of North Bay, our Rotary members and all three branches of government, every kid in our area will share in the joy of cooling off in the summer heat along with their friends and family members."
- Marty Brown, President, Rotary Club of North Bay/Nipissing
Quick facts
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Tourism represents more than 2% of Canada's gross domestic product.
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Tourism supports more than 1.8 million jobs in Canada.
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Regional development agencies are one of Canada's four flagship platforms supporting innovation, along with the Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Strategic Innovation Fund and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.
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Canada has six regional development agencies supporting economic development in every region of Canada.
