Municipality of Marmora and Lake unveils new CFDC-funded tourism signage at former mine site

Marmora, Ontario, October 14, 2025 – Marmora and Lake delegates were joined by representatives from Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) of North and Central Hastings and South Algonquin for a sign unveiling ceremony at the former Marmoraton Mine site, October 14.

“The Marmoraton Mine site is a marvel and a piece of our community’s history that we’re proud to celebrate,” said Marmora and Lake Mayor Jan O’Neill. “The new sign is a welcome addition to the site and a great way to promote local businesses and draw tourists into Town. We’re grateful to Community Futures Development Corporation for supporting this project and supporting economic development in Marmora and Lake.”

The new signage showcases the rich history of the former iron ore mine that operated for around 25 years between the 1950s and 1970s, and features a map of Marmora with QR codes directing tourists to local businesses and eateries.

Although the mine closed nearly five decades ago, the 2,800-foot-long pit filled to the brim with aqua blue water continues to draw tourists year-round.

The initiative was funded, in-part, by CFDC’s Local Initiatives Program (LIP). The LIP program provides up to $3,000 in grant funding to municipalities and organizations for small scale projects fostering local economic development, tourism and job creation. Marmora and Lake received the maximum funding amount for the sign.

“Community Futures of North and Central Hastings and South Algonquin is a proud supporter of rural economic development in our region through our Local Initiatives Program. Marmora’s sign rehabilitation project was a great candidate for LIP funding,” said Mary Lynn Rutledge, Executive Director for CFDC. “Not only is the new sign modern and graffiti resistant, but it also features QR codes with local business listings and will help direct traffic to the downtown – a win-win for the municipality and local businesses.”

Community Futures is funded by the government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and has developed several grant and funding programs targeted to rural economic development, young entrepreneurs, Indigenous-owned businesses and more.

Also in attendance at the event were Marmora and Lake CAO John Connolly, Clerk Kristen McConnell, Councillor Eric Daoust, Economic Development Advisory Committee Members Oliver Heubeck, Anne MacNeil and Megan Abraham, CFDC Office Administrator Melanie Wright, and freelance graphic designer Shevon Sigouin.

For more information:
John Connolly, CAO/Deputy Clerk
Municipality of Marmora and Lake
cao@marmoraandlake.ca