Northeast Town gets $1.5 million to upgrade waterfront
FEDNOR application still outstanding
LITTLE CURRENT-The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands is abuzz with some exciting news that will guarantee the future of Little Current's waterfront development project.
The provincial funding agency, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), has approved a funding grant that will provide the town with $1,473,915 to update and renovate its waterfront facilities.
Minister for Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci made the announcement in a press release on February 10.
"The North Channel is viewed by many to be the best freshwater recreation and leisure area in the world," he said. "I am pleased that our government is helping enhance the area's pleasure boating and cruise ship industry with this investment in Little Current's waterfront."
The money will fund phase one of the town's waterfront development program, which will renovate the dock system to include a cruise ship berth, new hydro and water hookups, the reconstruction of a shoreline break wall, the creation of picnic and plaza areas, the demolition of two old buildings and the enhancement of the downtown with public art.
In the press release, Minister Bartolucci notes that the Little Current docks had 24 cruise ship visits in 2004, making it one of the most popular ports on the Great Lakes. With this funding, the ministry hopes to encourage a continuing growth in Little Current's tourism sector.
"Building northern prosperity calls for strengthening our traditional industries, such as tourism, as well as investing in new sectors," Mr. Bartolucci said. "Modern, attractive waterfront facilities will give visitors an even better experience in the community, and create new jobs and local business opportunities, something our government is committed to encouraging throughout the North."
Northeast Town Chief Administrative Officer Dave Williamson said the town was grateful for the funding received by the NOHFC, noting that the money will go a long way to improve and sustain economic development throughout the town.
"This is a tremendous opportunity, and we're glad to see the province coming to the table in this way to help us," he said. "It shows us the province values our town and sees how important economic development is in our community."
The town is still waiting for approval of matching funding from FedNor, but Mr. Williamson said the town expects to start construction in September. "We're still waiting for the EA (environmental assessment) to be completed, which is going on as we speak, but we expect to be in the water by September," he explained. Work will not occur in the summer because "we don't want to disrupt the 2006 tourist season," he added.