KENORA – The Ontario government announced that they are spending $321,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for two economic development projects.
The Ontario government provided Vernon Nature Area with $112,500 to help improve visitor safety and introduce more inclusivity with the installation of English and Ojibway signage at the Vernon Nature Area.
The Vernon Nature Area has four distinct trail biome systems for patrons which were disastrously affected by the flood in 2022.
“The Vernon Nature Area is one of the most popular and well-used Kenora outdoor recreational and educational destinations, providing not only increased enjoyment of the outdoors and mental well-being but significant economic benefits to the area,” said Barry Corbett from Friends of Vernon.
Seeing the necessary need for infrastructure improvements in their dock, boardwalk, lookout areas and trails, the Kenora Hospitality Alliance partnered with the Friends of Vernon Nature Area to submit the NOHFC application for the Vernon Nature Area.
“It has seen increased traffic since COVID and requires some infrastructure upgrades due to the high water levels that happened a couple of years back. As a result, trail upgrades were a necessity,” commented Executive Director of Kenora Hospitality Alliance Board of Directors Stefan Robinson.
Sierra Construction received $209,045 to build a 2,000-square-foot wood manufacturing facility and improvements to their air quality control system with the purchase of new dust control equipment.
“With the assistance of NOHFC, Sierra will be creating new jobs, as we have broken ground on our state-of-the-art woodworking facility here in Kenora. Our 2,000-square-foot shop will allow us to take raw wood materials harvested in the Northwest and transform them into various wood components for homes, cottages, and businesses across the region,” said Jamie Minor, President of Sierra Construction.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford showed his support for boosting Kenora's economic and recreational opportunities.
“The projects we are recognizing today support local business expansions, benefit the northern economy and contribute to a healthier, more inclusive community,” stated Rickford.
