KILLARNEY—Funding being provided by the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor) will go toward the reconstruction and expansion of the village of Killarney waterfront.
On June 7, Marc G. Serre, member of parliament for Nickel Belt and parliamentary assistant to the minister of official languages, announced a FedNor investment of $157,500 through the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) in the municipality of Killarney. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, minister of Indigenous services and minister responsible for FedNor.
“I am happy to announce this initiative, which will benefit not only residents of Killarney or the Nickel Belt, but all the future tourists who will visit the area,” said Mr. Serre. “Creating dynamic projects like this encourages both tourists and residents to enjoy all the great things this area has to offer. Not only will this improve quality of life by supporting the local economy, it will also help people connect to and enjoy their shared public space.”
The funding will support the Municipality of Killarney in planning the reconstruction and expansion of the main wharf on the waterfront. Specifically, the funds will allow the municipality to engage an engineering firm to undertake detailed re-engineering of the main wharf, which will include community design consultations. The project will create additional docking space for visiting boaters as well as tours and cruise ships while also providing event space for cultural events and an expanded seasonal farmers’ market. The improvements to the main wharf will expand local tourism infrastructure, stimulate the local economy, provide an upgraded shared space for public use, “and improve the quality of life of people and their families in the area,” a press release from FedNor states.
“This FedNor support is exciting not just for Killarney, but for anyone visiting the area,” said Nancy Wirtz, mayor of Killarney. “Investing in the gateway to the North Channel will not only benefit our local economy and residents, but it will also benefit anyone wanting to access the natural treasures around us. This project is going to be a vibrant attraction for tourists and locals alike, and FedNor’s support is making that possible.”
