Northern Manitoba tourism operations got a nearly $1 million boost from the federal government Nov. 13.
Funding totalling $935,000 from the Churchill Region Economic Diversification (CRED) fund is going to 19 organizations and projects in Churchill and elsewhere, including $150,000 to Merit Motion Pictures for its “March of the Polar Bears” film. The Boreal Discovery Centre and Spirit Way in Thompson are getting the biggest slice of the pie in the form of a $164,060 contribution towards the proposed Wolf Centre of Excellence, while the Boreal Discovery Centre is also getting another $136,000.
“The government of Canada is proud to support these tourism initiatives,” said federal Minister of Tourism Mélanie Joly, who was in Churchill for the announcement. “Working together with Community Futures Manitoba, and local businesses and organizations, we can showcase the tourism gems found in Northern Manitoba.”
Churchill Cruises is receiving the fourth grant of more than $100,000 at a total of $108,690.
The other 15 organizations and projects getting money range from the Tundra Inn & Restaurant, which is receiving $75,000, to Nature First Tours, which is getting $1,087, with the majority of the other grants falling in the $10,000 to $30,000 range.
“The government of Canada is dedicated to ensuring the long-term prosperity of Churchill and the surrounding area,” said Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains, whose portfolio also includes responsibility for Western Economic Diversification Canada. “We recognize that tourism is an essential part of the Churchill economy. Our investments reflect how we are working with the people of Churchill and Northern Manitoba to build upon their unique strengths to create opportunities that lead to good jobs and economic growth.”
Churchill Mayor Mike Spence said that 15,000 people a year continue to visit Churchill to see polar bears and beluga whales.
“Despite the challenges our community has faced, our tourism sector remains strong and is growing,” Spence said in a press release. “We are pleased to see the federal government recognizing the importance of investing in a new national tourism strategy. Our tourism sector and our community looks forward to advancing shared goals of increasing tourism in our region. We have world-class natural wonders to share and infrastructure sometimes holds us back from future growth. The federal government has shown strong support for our northern region and we are pleased to see an early tourism focus on transportation. We look forward to future discussions on integrating our Churchill Airport initiative into this new national tourism strategy.”
“Churchill is a world-class tourism destination, and the CRED fund has been proud to support the tourism sector with project funding,” said Jason Denbow, executive director of Community Futures Saskatchewan and Community Futures Manitoba, which oversees the CRED fund. “With the coming restoration of rail service through Arctic Gateway, we look forward to continuing to support the expansion of this crucial local industry.”
