Pickle Lake receives FedNor funding to construct community services and training centre

Tim Brody - Editor

A FedNor investment of $1,095,819 in the Township of Pickle Lake will support the construction of a community services and training centre. According to a news release from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, the community services and training centre is a key part of Pickle Lake’s comprehensive municipal revitalization plan.
The funding announcement was made on Aug. 15 by Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu.
The funds were provide through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP).
“The facility, which will be constructed at the entrance to the community’s downtown, will provide space for training, economic development and business support, and rentable space for local and visiting businesses. It will also provide flex space capable of hosting revolving community events, such as the Blackfly Festival,” FedNor shared.
The over 370 square metre facility will also house the local offices of the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB). The current KDSB location will provide further opportunities in the form of possible community, co-working, or multi-purpose space.
“This investment will foster business development, new partnerships, and critical economic infrastructure within the community. This project will help Pickle Lake to better respond to large-scale opportunities available to the community, which represents an important regional hub, and will support sustained local economic development,” FedNor informed.
“Pickle Lake’s new community service and training centre will provide residents with the tools they need to succeed in their life and career, directly in their community. This centre will create good stable jobs and help grow an economy that works for everyone,” Minister Hajdu stated.
“As Ontario’s last frontier, our community is proud to not only serve our local population, but to provide connection to remote communities and opportunities in the region. This FedNor investment will go a long way toward supporting our municipal revitalization plan, and we are proud to partner with the Government of Canada in turning our planned successes into reality,” stated Pickle Lake Mayor James Dalzell.