News Release

First Nations Enhancing Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park

August 26, 2009

McGuinty Government Investment Will Attract Tourists

NEWS   

The Big Grassy and Onigaming First Nations are looking to attract more visitors and increase tourism revenues by upgrading Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park.

Through support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), the First Nations will add 10 new seasonal campsites to accommodate more campers, including five sites for larger recreational vehicles.  The project also involves clearing land, installing a water reservoir, improving boat launches, road upgrades and building a new store.

Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park is located on the southeast corner of Lake of the Woods. As many as six new jobs could be created.

QUOTES

“By revitalizing the Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park, we will significantly improve park amenities, boost the local economy and help attract tourists to the area.”
- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, and Chair of the NOHFC.

“These park upgrades will allow more tourists to visit the beautiful Treaty 3 territory and provide employment opportunities that can only help enhance the quality of life in Big Grassy and Onigaming First Nation communities.”
- Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

QUICK FACTS

• The NOHFC is providing $100,000 to this project.
• Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park was formerly known as the Lake of the Woods Provincial Park.  Many species of animals are common to the park, including more than 130 kinds of birds.
  

LEARN MORE

• Find out more about the Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park
• Read about the NOHFC’s programs
  

Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655
Michel Lavoie, Communications Branch, 705-564-7125    

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