August 25, 2026

Funding will bring the aquatic facility up to competition standards

KENORA — The Ontario government is investing $326,198 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the City of Kenora upgrade the pool at the Moncrief Construction Sports Centre and bring the facility up to internationally recognized aquatic competition standards. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments in northern municipalities to build, expand and revitalize sports infrastructure that supports high-performance training, major competitions and hosting events.

“Upgrades to the Moncrief Construction Sports Centre aquatic facility will make it more accessible and competitive,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “We are helping the City of Kenora remove barriers for para-athletes, seniors and individuals with mobility challenges, while ensuring the sports centre’s pool is equipped to host high-level competitions. These improvements will extend the facility’s lifespan, attract visitors, promote community health and support the local economy.”

The City of Kenora is using NOHFC funding to bring the pool at the Moncrief Construction Sports Centre into alignment with requirements set by World Aquatics, formerly known as FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation). Upgrades include a compliant headwall, new starting blocks with step access, backstroke equipment and a digital timing and display system.

Once complete, the project will transform the centre’s aquatic facility into an inclusive and community-focused space equipped to host sanctioned events and expand opportunities for seniors, youth, para-athletes and Indigenous communities through programming such as para-swim, masters swimming and school swim teams. The upgrades will help swimmers of all abilities participate fully through enhanced accessibility and competition-ready infrastructure.

“Welcoming more than 142,000 visits in 2025, the Moncrief Construction Sports Centre plays an important role in the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Andrew Poirier, Mayor of the City of Kenora. “We are grateful to Hon. Greg Rickford and the Government of Ontario for supporting these aquatic upgrades, which will enhance opportunities for recreation, competition and community connection for years to come. This investment demonstrates what can be achieved when the Province, City and community partners work together.”

“This is about community. It’s about a vision,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora- Rainy River. “In order for this to be the kind of pool where we can enhance our ability to send athletes around the world to international competitions, we needed to bring it home – bring it to our home. When records are being set, they will be done in this pool, with our community celebrating the achievements of our athletes, together.”

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.