RAINY RIVER – Rainy River and Atikokan is set to get some new additions to their public space due to the recent announcement that FedNor is investing $384,750 to help upgrade the downtown cores.
These projects aim to increase social interaction and physical activities that have seen a steady reduction in recent years. “We will continue to work with our municipal partners to improve communities across Canada,” stated Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor. These projects will help support the cultures and economies of Northwestern Ontario, and will ensure that the District of Rainy River is well on the road to recovery.”
On behalf of Hajdu, Marcus Powlowski, MP for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, announced that a FedNor’s investment of $384,750 is through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for two projects in the District of Rainy River.
“Initiatives like these encourage residents and tourists to explore our communities and to engage in healthy recreation in our shared public spaces,” Powlowski. “FedNor’s partnership with communities across Northern Ontario helps extend community access to everyone. I’m proud that this announcement is part of helping the District of Rainy River move forward to build better shared public spaces for everyone.”
$375,000 will go to the Township of Rainy River to build a permanent stage and gazebo, including accessible infrastructure and outdoor speakers, in Hannam Park.
Deborah J Ewald, Mayor of Rainy River stated, “Hannam Park is an important community space here in Rainy River, and partnering with FedNor to improve it is an exciting opportunity for us. These funds will help us revitalize our town and it will make sure our home continues to grow alongside us.”
A steam locomotive and cars at the Rainy River Museum will also be repaired, and a new overhead structure will be installed at the facility as well.
In addition, $9,750 will go to the Township of Atikokan to build a 22-square-metre open-air structure that will support community programming and services in a safe, outdoor, and sheltered environment.
“Public libraries are in many ways central to the idea of shared community space, and so partnering with FedNor on this project represents an important means of supporting Atikokan and helping us thrive as a community,” said Dennis Brown, Mayor of Atikokan. “Investments in communities like this help create opportunities for social and economic growth, and Atikokan is proud to be part of this announcement.”
The structure will be located in front of the library’s green space. These initiatives will create and maintain eight full-time jobs as well as eight construction jobs in the municipalities of Rainy River and Atikokan.
