Economic Development in Central Manitoulin

This Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is intended to promote and sustain quality of life and long-term economic growth.

Grant, loan and other programs have been developed to respond to local business property investment needs.

• Business Events
  Job fairs, networking, markets, two annual retail sales events and more.
• Broadband Internet
  Eastlink has installed fibre internet to the Mindemoya Area. We continue to work with upper levels of government to improve broadband internet access for the entire Municipality.
• Community Beautification
  The committee looks after beautification projects like flower beds in our communities. These projects promote civic pride and make our communities better places to live, work and invest in. The CDOC is the staff member for the Central Manitoulin Beautification Committee.
• Community Events
  We host a suite municipal events as well as coordinating with other organizations to promote an expand community events.
  A variety of these events are organized by the Municipality including:
  • Canada Day Fireworks in Providence Bay
  • Christmas Celebration which includes a parade, tree lighting, market and more.
  • Cooking classes
  • Exercise classes
  • Holiday classes and events for kids
  • March Break Youth Fishing Tournament
  • Seniors programming
  • Yoga classes
• Community Spirit
  We encourage Fall Harvest Glory Days and Christmas decorating by volunteers. The decorations bring our communities to life and provide a sense of pride.
• Economic Development Corporation
  The Municipality is researching the implementation of an economic development corporation. The corporation would allow for purchase and disposal of property. This ability would allow for better community and service planning.
• Film Industry Investment
  In 2022 the Municipality worked with DADA Picture Corp to film a feature length picture on the south shore of Manitoulin Island. The Central Manitoulin Communities of Providence Bay and Dominion Bay were film locations. The filming of the lower budget film brought $350,000 in direct spending to the area. Lodging, catering, local employment, fuel, locations, and film staff per diems all contributed to the economy of our area.
  Staff continues to research and create film policy as well as develop ways to attract this type of unique investment to our community.
• Municipal Promotion
  Continuous posting municipal, business and ratepayer achievements, events, and other information. We put out information to the public through social media, website and news sources.
• Municipal Strategic Planning
  A strategic plan is a guiding document which sets out the vision and priorities of the municipality. The 2022 to 2026 strategic plan is currently in draft form.
• Municipal Website
  The new Municipal Website continues to be an important tool. The site informs, promotes and provide e-government service delivery residents and ratepayers. The website also provides accurate information to visitors of our beautiful island.
• Providence Bay Beach
  Providence Bay Beach continues to be one of the top tourism attractions in Northern Ontario and on Manitoulin Island. Investment, sustainable practices and planning allow this popular natural amenity to remain pristine.
  • Investment into maintenance of the boardwalk
  • Administration of the Providence Bay Beach Monitoring Permit
• Discovery Centre in Providence Bay
  The Discovery Centre is a unique, interactive space that promotes awareness of the rich natural and cultural heritage. The also site includes washrooms and leased out restaurant. 
• Central Manitoulin Welcome Centre and Pioneer Museum in Mindemoya
  The Welcome Centre is a visitor centre in downtown Mindemoya, with two bathrooms and is staffed by students in the summer season.
  The Pioneer Museum is part of the main building. Behind the museum into a multi-acre pioneer park. The park showcases a covered bridge, farm equipment, a log cabin, barns, and historic artifacts. Guided tours are available in the summer season.
  Maintained by the Municipality and the Central Manitoulin Historical Society.
• Recreation and Tourism Opportunities
  Splashtown Manitoulin  inflatable waterpark offers our community recreation and tourism opportunities. Splashtown Manitoulin first summer season was in 2023 and plans to come back for future years. The park operates offshore from the Mindemoya Government Dock in Mindemoya.
• Recreation Infrastructure Planning
  Planning for the future of recreation in our community. The Recreation Infrastructure Committee has researched and proposed a plan for a new multi-use facility. 
• Tourism Strategic Planning and Tourism Promotion
  Municipal staff advertises for tourism through video,  digital and paper advertising.
  • Strategic planning sessions for the future of tourism in the region were conducted in 2021 and 2022.
  • Post Covid-19 adaptation and recovery
  • Island-wide signage initiative
  • Culinary tourism planning
• Trail and Hiking Enhancement
  Wagg’s Woods Trail is a 42-acre park now with three kilometres of hiking on four distinct trails in Mindemoya. The park has been enhanced into an attraction for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) is the Government of Canada's economic development organization for Northern Ontario. Through its programs and services, and through its financial support of projects that lead to job creation and economic growth, FedNor works with businesses and community partners to build a stronger Northern Ontario.

LaCloche and Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation (LAMBAC) is a Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) sponsored by Innovation Science And Economic Development / FedNor, created to support small and medium-sized business and community economic development. LAMBAC supports businesses through small business loans and resources. The organization administers local investment funds to help finance new or existing small and medium sized business and social enterprises for start-up, expansion or stabilization that will maintain or create jobs.

Ontario Ministry of Northern Development promotes economic and community development in Northern Ontario with business support services, grants and loans.