Province proffers funding for tourism, economic development.

The province has ponied up $950,000 for 20 projects that are designed to improve economic development, tourism, and infrastructure initiatives in the North.

The funding comes from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. A list of the funding recipients follows.

* The Northern Ontario Regional Tourism Organization is receiving $100,000 to evaluate what drives tourism in Northern Ontario to provide support and training to businesses in the sector.

* The Hearst and Area Economic Development Corporation, in conjunction with Constance Lake First Nation, is receiving $97,540 to develop a mining readiness strategy.

* The Town of Iroquois Falls is receiving $87,050 for a feasibility study on repurposing the Resolute mill.

* The Cloverbelt Local Food Co-operative Inc. is receiving $74,190 to identify local food distribution options and ways to reach remote areas.

* The Mushkegowuk Council is receiving $58,539 to establish a Regional Business Organization that will support new business ventures.

* The Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre is receiving $54,561 to complete a study to bring ultra-high-speed internet to the West Parry Sound area.

* The Greater Sudbury Development Corporation is receiving $50,000 to complete a 10-year community economic development plan.

* The City of North Bay is receiving $50,000 to develop a five-year economic development strategic plan.

* The Chapleau Economic Development Corporation is receiving $45,000 to develop a mining readiness and growth strategy.

* The Shibogama First Nations Council is receiving $43,000 to complete a study on buying or building a new overnight-stay facility in Sioux Lookout to accommodate member First Nations peoples visiting from Northern communities.

* Sachigo Lake First Nation is receiving $40,500 to develop a five-year community economic development plan.

* The...