AUNDECK OMNI KANING—From splash pads to leadership centres, downtown revitalization projects, to the creation of a mountain bike park and much more, the Ontario government is providing more than $4.6 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to 11 economic development projects on Manitoulin Island. This investment is expected to improve municipal infrastructure, empower local businesses and create good jobs in Northeastern Ontario.
“Today’s announcement reflects the diverse and transformative impact of the NOHFC across Manitoulin Island and beyond,” said Greg Rickford, minister of northern development. “From supporting community infrastructure upgrades to empowering local businesses and showcasing the North’s unique culture and talent, these projects highlight the partnership opportunities we’re investing in, here in the Northeast.”
Patsy Corbiere, chief of the Aundeck Omni Kaning welcomed everyone to the press conference at the Four Directions Complex in AOK on November 18. “We are here today to hear the funding news for our community splash pad, which is a project we have been working on for a couple of years. It will do a lot for the community and provide an outdoor activity for youngsters instead of being on their iPad and communities. More splash pads and less iPads.”
“We want to provide this type of activity for our residents and families to be outside taking part in outdoor activities and having fun.” She pointed out the splash pad is located at the beach area.
“More splash pad and less iPads—I love that statement,” said Mr. Rickford. “We are really excited to be making these funding announcements today,” he said, noting the last time he had been on the Island was about 14 months ago in announcing Ontario government plans for the replacement of the Little Current Swing Bridge.
“We are here today to announce $4.6 million toward 11 different economic development projects on Manitoulin Island,” said Mr. Rickford.
“One million, five hundred and ninety-five thousand and nine-hundred and fifty-nine dollars in funding is being provided to Sheshegwaning First Nation to build phase one of its leadership centre,” said Mr. Rickford. This includes construction of a gathering space for community functions, displays for the exhibition gallery and interpretative centre, a traditional fire arbor, business incubation areas, a healing lodge and cultural sanctuary.
Funding of $695,832 was provided to the Township of Billings toward the rebuild of its firehall as a functional facility supporting the operation of fire protection services in the community.
Half a million dollars is being provided for the Town of Gore Bay to revitalize its downtown area, enhancing community infrastructure, inviting commercial activity and creating a vibrant and engaging space for residents and visitors alike.
Funding of $479,409 was provided to Dada Picture Corporation to produce the feature film DADA, a love story, satire and horror about the complex relationship between a single father and his teenage daughter.
Funding of $418,893 is being provided to E. Corbiere and Sons Contracting, an Indigenous-owned business in M’Chigeeng First Nation, to purchase equipment to bolster its business.
The amount of $279,810 is being provided to the Wikwemikong Development Commission (WDC) to upgrade its pellet silo storage distribution centre to further reduce Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory’s reliance on fossil fuel.
Funding of $200,000 is being provided for Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation to install a splash pad on community grounds to create infrastructure that supports physical activity among children and youth.
The amount of $200,000 is being provided for Palace Hillside Farm to purchase and install a grain drying storage system for its harvested crops.
A total of $161,078 in funding is going to the Dawson Citizens Improvement Association (DCIA) to repair and upgrade the exterior of the Meldrum Bay Community Hall, increasing accessibility to the facility. The DCIA is also to receive funding of $15,347 to repair the roof of the Meldrum Bay Marina building, a crucial tourism services hub for boaters, campers and residents.
Funding of $112,500 is being provided for the Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates to create the Chanel View Mountain Bike park by redesigning 80 acres of a former ski hill to mountain bike trails.
Maja Mielonen, MICA president said, “Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates welcomes our governments support for the family-oriented Channelview Adventure Park project. Your support will make a big difference in attracting and retaining young families to Manitoulin Island as a whole. It helps MICA to add to our active living outdoor offerings for locals and visitors alike, making Manitoulin a desired place to visit live and play in a way that creates camaraderie, friendship and improves everyone’s mental health. Thank you for assisting MICA.”
“We are excited to see continued growth in Sheshegwaning First Nation and the leadership centre is an integral part of the growing community infrastructure,” said Joan Sheppard, executive director of Sheshegwaning First Nation. “This centre will be a hub for economic activity and development in Sheshegwaning, housing existing businesses and promoting ongoing expansion of the local business community. Funding from a variety of sources, with NOHFC as a lead funder, has made this project a reality and we look forward to occupancy in the coming months. The hope of chief and council is that this is the first of multiple phases of the leadership centre project, as we look to continue to invest in local infrastructure.”
Ron Lane, mayor of the Town of Gore Bay said, “In a small community like Gore Bay, funding support is vital to bring big ideas to life and strengthen our local economy. The downtown revitalization project represents a transformative step for our town, creating an inviting space that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike. We’re excited to see this vision come together and look forward to the positive impact it will have for years to come.”
The Main Street revitalization project basically mirrors what has already taken place on Dawson Street with new pavement, streetlights, curbless streets, interlocking stone and planting of new trees and silva cells that a lot of the water runoff goes into,” said Councillor Dan Osborne.
Chief Corbiere said the AOK community has been working on the new splash pad project for a couple of years. She praised the work of former economic development officer Kathy Bebamash, who did the groundwork and helped to make sure the majority of the work was complete before her retirement, and Kelly Esquimaux, the new EDO helped to make sure it was completed.
“If you go to the beach/lake area in the community the infrastructure is in the ground and the equipment is in place,” said Chief Corbiere. “We still have to hook up the water.”
“The splash pad provides opportunities for residents to take part in and enjoy activities outside,” continued Chief Corbiere. “The splash pad provides a really good view of the lake. It will be ready in April/May. It will be a good asset to the community.”
Johannes Renecker, co-owner of Palace Hillside Farm in Tehkummah said, “With the help of the Ontario government, we were able to develop the necessary infrastructure and acquire key equipment in order to plan a more diverse cropping program that focuses on both feed and food grade crops. Our ability to diversify our cropping plans and strategies has offered feed options to other farmers and mitigated freight costs, therefore keeping more revenue with Manitoulin farmers. These capital acquisitions have allowed an expansion of our hired workforce and will be expanded again in the next few years. NOHFC has provided the assistance to make the agronomic sector of Manitoulin competitive and in step with modern agriculture and we are extremely appreciative.”
Maddy Falls, producer of the Dada Picture Corp. said, “The NOHFC made it possible for us to shoot DADA in such a remarkable place. Manitoulin Island wouldn’t have arisen as a possible shooting location for our film if it had not been for the NOHFC. We are lucky to have been able to capture the island and so much of what it has to offer on screen and will always be grateful for the NOHFC’s support.”
