August 20, 2026

Provincial funding will promote healthy, active living and create good-paying jobs

KENORA — The Ontario government is investing $1,510,629 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to enable the Kenora Chiefs Advisory to build an indoor equine riding arena at its Youth and Family Wellness Camp near Kenora. This funding delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario, through strategic investments in important local infrastructure that create jobs, improve quality of life and promote healthy, active living.

“Our government is pleased to support the expansion and improvement of important recreational assets so they can accommodate more people and continue to serve the community and local economy,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This investment demonstrates the broad and impactful role the NOHFC continues to play supporting communities across northern Ontario.”

The Kenora Chiefs Advisory owns and operates the Youth and Family Wellness Camp, where it hosts culturally grounded health and wellness programming, engaging Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants. The camp integrates treatment, culture, recreation and reconciliation initiatives and includes stables, paddocks, riding trails, cabins, a mess hall, art studio, welcome centre and ceremonial spaces. With the NOHFC’s support, the organization will construct a semi-heated, insulated, indoor equine riding arena with common areas, enabling year-round programming that responds to an increasing demand for its popular equine program.

“For many of the children, youth and families we serve, time spent on the land with our horses opens a door to connection, confidence and healing in a way traditional programming cannot,” said Stefanie Bryant, Director of Strategy and Innovation, Kenora Chiefs Advisory. “This Indoor Riding Arena will allow us to offer safe, culturally grounded programming year-round: giving more young people across Treaty 3 the opportunity to feel supported, capable and connected, even in the coldest months. We are deeply grateful to the Ontario government, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and Minister Rickford for investing in a facility that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families for generations.”

““Building the Kenora Chiefs Advisory Youth and Wellness Camp takes community partnerships and leadership,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River. “As proud supporters of the vision set forth by the Kenora Chiefs Advisory, we’re leveraging the NOHFC to ensure year-round access to their state-of-the-art indoor equine riding arena, a truly magnificent facility.”

The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s investment of an additional $30 million over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in over 8,600 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,400 jobs.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Officesand Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.