OREANDA-NEWS. July 13, 2016. Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced an investment of \\$655,000 to help the Town of Fort Frances design and build a market square.

The facility will house community events, concerts and a farmers' market while serving as a gathering place for the community. In addition, the FedNor funding will also support landscaping costs, pull-through parking for recreational vehicles, lighting, bike racks and benches, all designed to increase visitor traffic in the community's downtown core.

Quick Facts

  • The Town will own the facility but it will be maintained and operated by the Fort Frances Business Improvement Association.
  • The funding announced today is provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to helping small businesses become more competitive and successful. To that end, we are pleased to support the Fort Frances Market Square project that will provide the regional agricultural community with a dedicated location to sell its products and gain exposure, enabling businesses to grow."

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

"We are proud to support this initiative that complements and builds on Fort Frances' buy local and eat local movement. In addition, the Market Square will draw more visitors to the downtown area which will improve foot traffic for existing businesses."

– Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River

"Building the Market Square will rejuvenate the core of the community by turning an existing abandoned site into a hub of activity, attracting residents and visitors alike. We are grateful for the Government of Canada's support for this initiative that is part of our diversification and tourism strategy."

– Roy Avis, Mayor of Fort Frances