"We are pleased that northern communities are working towards economic diversification with the assistance of the Northern Communities Investment Readiness program." Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry

The Township of Nipigon is looking at transforming an abandoned rail line into a tourist attraction to create jobs and promote economic development.

With support from the Northern Communities Investment Readiness (NCIR) program, Nipigon is studying the feasibility of developing a multi-use recreational trail on the decommissioned CN Kinghorn Rail Line that once linked Nipigon to Thunder Bay. Developing a trail system would broaden the tourism industry in the region.

The investment is part of the government’s five-year Open Ontario plan to create jobs and economic opportunities in Northern Ontario.

• The province is supporting this initiative with $33,750 from the NCIR program.
• Project partners include Dorion Township, Red Rock Township, Shuniah Township and the City of Thunder Bay.
• To date, more than $2 million in NCIR funding has been approved for more than 240 initiatives across the North.

• Read about the NCIR program
• Read about other Nipigon trail development initiatives – “TransCanada Trail Ontario Commits to Trails Development from Nipigon to Pigeon River“ in an article on OntarioNewsNorth.com from September 2010
• Visit the Township of Nipigon online