FedNor is investing over $4.5 million to upgrade public community spaces across northern Ontario.
A dozen projects are receiving funding including nearly $675,000 for the Village of Burk’s Falls.
The money will be used to build an indoor/outdoor marketplace in the downtown core.
The two-storey building will provide a home for local artists, crafters, agricultural businesses, and other organizations to promote their skills, wares, and produce.
Parry Sound is getting $187,500 to help revitalize its downtown core, improve accessibility and enhance community outdoor spaces.
This funding will cover upgrades to the outdoor waterfront walking trail to increase pedestrian traffic in the downtown business area, adding new accessible areas and installing historical interpretive plaques that acknowledge local and Indigenous history.
$500,000 is on the way to Shawanaga First Nation’s community rink to complete significant upgrades and support year-round programming.
Strong Township is getting $350,000 in funding to help transform its Recreation, Wellness and Welcome Centre into a fully serviced building with a green roof and water collection capacity, an office and two environmentally friendly composting public toilets.
The funding will also support upgrades to the community gardens and help pave the way for a new local playground area and multi-purpose all-season rink with energy-efficient lighting to support extended hours.
Along with traditional uses, the new rink will also accommodate organized events including an open-air farmer’s market, art shows, musical performances and more.
Officials say these investments will create up to 37 full-time positions and more than 150 construction jobs. The federal money is being provided through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.
***With files from Richard Coffin