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Ontario investing in three Kenora projects

The Ontario Government invests $1.4 million in Grand Council Treaty Three, Kenora Nordic and Biathlon Club, and Kenora Chiefs Advisory Inc.
Kenora
Kenora

KENORA –The Ontario government has announced that they have allotted $1.4 million to be used in three projects in Kenora. Provided through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, the Ontario government said in their release “that the investments will help boost economic growth, improve quality of life and build strong, healthy communities in Northwestern Ontario.”

"Our government is improving community infrastructure and strengthening cultural ties to promote a high quality of life in Indigenous and northern communities," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. "This investment supports economic development and provides tailored support that encourages growth and prosperity."

The Ontario government stated that $495,000 will be given to Grand Council Treaty Three for building an all-season roundhouse lodge that will serve as a space for healing, training, ceremonies and events which will support the Gamikaan Bimaadiziwin healing centre located at Bug Lake.

“Gamikaan Bimaadiziwin honours and preserves healing processes rooted in our Anishinaabe way of life,” said Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief, Grand Council Treaty # 3. “The Roundhouse is the first phase of this development and it provides an alternative healing opportunity to what we know is not currently working for our people. For those who struggle with finding their way, we will offer teachings for renewed self-determination and alternative healing that can help those who were previously unable to move beyond their trauma and mental health challenges within the current western justice system and treatment options. We are working to bring together all partners through healing and collaboration to provide individuals with a renewed chance at Bimaadiziwin – living the good life."

Moreover, $490,000 will be put toward building a three-kilometre permanently lit trail for Kenora Nordic and Biathlon Club, so skiing enthusiasts will have a safe well-lit area to ski.

Tim Wehner, Volunteer and Trail Designer, Kenora Nordic and Biathlon Club said, "with the help from the Ontario Government and NOHFC funding, we continue to improve our trail system, which is already known as the best cross country ski system between Thunder Bay and Canmore. Adding permanent lighting doubles the lit operating hours from eight hours of sunlight at the winter solstice, to 16 hours of ski time. This improves safety and enjoyment for our skiers ranging from youth, para-nordic, recreational and international racers who all ski and train here in northwestern Ontario and promotes our community to visitors as a ski destination with ripple effects to our local hotels, stores and restaurants."

Furthermore, $476,833 will provide Kenora Chiefs Advisory Inc. with a commercial kitchen, dining area, laundry room, bathrooms and showers for future youth camp, recreation programs and special events held at the KCA Youth and Family Wellness Camp.

"We are very grateful for the chance to continue the work we are doing out at the Ogimaawabiitong Youth and Family Wellness Camp and continue to grow the partnerships that have helped us get to this point. The progress we have been able to make to date, with the support of our partners and both levels of government has been incredible. This property has already made an impact within its first few years of operation, in terms of accessibility to programs and service delivery and now, with the new commercial kitchen, we will be able to take this phase of our project to the next level,” said Joe Barnes, Executive Director, Kenora Chiefs Advisory.



Clint Fleury

About the Author: Clint Fleury

Clint Fleury is a web reporter covering Northwestern Ontario and the Superior North regions.
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