Federal govt supporting Gogama initiative

Since the derailment of a CN Rail train in 2015, the town of Gogama has been working tirelessly to get the town back to what it once was.

Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré was in town Wednesday morning to announce $29,800 is headed to the town from FedNor “to support jobs, growth and prosperity.”

According to a release, this money is enabling the Gogama Chamber of Commerce “to develop a strategic plan and branding strategy to support the community’s social and economic recovery efforts that continue as a result of a large-scale train derailment in 2015.”

“Specifically, this targeted investment will be used to create an economic road map for the community that will help attract private sector investment to the area, identify business development and growth opportunities, and maximize local assets to position the Town of Gogama for long-term economic success.”

The funding only covers part of the $50,000 project cost, but it’s a step in the right direction.

“This priority project will enable the Town of Gogama to harness its economic potential to attract private sector investment to the area, enhance tourism and create jobs, while capitalizing on business development and growth opportunities throughout the region. Creating jobs and a strong economy for the people and businesses of Gogama and all of Northern Ontario is a key priority for our government and investments such as this one will help us achieve that goal,” Serré added.

The Minister responsible for FedNor, Navdeep Bains—also Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development—says “by providing Northern Ontario communities with access to the tools and resources they need to succeed, the Government of Canada, through FedNor, is helping to create high-quality middle-class jobs and further position the region as open for business. The funding announced today builds on Gogama’s inherent strengths and will help promote the community as an ideal place to live, work, play and visit.”

The Chair of the Gogama Chamber, Edmond Chenier, is appreciative of the support.

“On behalf of the people and businesses of Gogama, I would like to thank the Government of Canada for recognizing the unique needs of our community and investing in this strategic initiative to strengthen and grow our economy. I look forward to the positive social and economic results this investment will deliver for the people and businesses of Gogama.”