Today, Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, announced a Government of Canada investment of $121,500 to help Tourism North Bay create an outdoor winter market in downtown North Bay. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Building on the trend of shop local and the success of outdoor markets, this FedNor-funded initiative will help revitalize the downtown, attract more visitors to the region, support local businesses, increase overnight stays, and showcase local arts, culture and talent. Once fully operational, the winter market will feature products from close to 80 artisans and provide guests with a Northern Ontario inspired experience that includes holiday themed lighting and walking tours, film screenings (French and English), and outdoor activities and programming.
Identified as a strategic priority by Tourism North Bay, the winter market will take place over eight weekends in November 2024 and 2025
Quotes
“Tourism is a major driving force for Northern Ontario’s economy and today’s announcement supports the immediate and future growth of this important sector. I am thrilled that North Bay is benefiting from our federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada’s tourism industry, from coast to coast to coast. It supports good jobs across the country and is helping to build an economy that includes everyone.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Northern Ontario offers breathtaking landscapes and thousands of pristine lakes and rivers that could easily take a lifetime to discover! Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is supporting local organizations like Tourism North Bay to fuel the economic engine in their communities. Investing in the tourism industry will also help to attract more domestic and international visitors to explore this bewitchingly wild region, time and again.”
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
“I am pleased FedNor is stepping up with $121,500 to accelerate tourism, community and business growth right here in the City of North Bay. As the Gateway to the North, we have beautiful winters and it’s great to see Tourism North Bay capitalizing on off-season opportunities to attract more visitors, showcase hometown talent, help fill our restaurants and hotels, and increase sales for local shops and artisans.”
Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming
“The new outdoor winter market experience was designed by local partners in order to enhance the vibrancy of Downtown North Bay and to support local artisans, restaurants and businesses leading up to the busy holiday season. By creating a new welcoming and festive atmosphere for all ages, visitors and residents are encouraged to explore the light activations and programming, shop the artisan market, indulge in seasonal treats and take in the festive culture under twinkling lights.”
Tanya Bédard, Executive Director, Tourism North Bay
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