September 10, 2026
Funding will enhance important community hub for veterans, locals and visitors to gather and stay connected
WHITESTONE — The Ontario government is investing $200,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 394 upgrade its facility in Dunchurch. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to build and revitalize important community infrastructure, keeping workers on the job and supporting stronger, more connected communities.
“Legions are important community hubs, especially in rural areas,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Through this NOHFC investment, our government is upgrading a vital facility, better equipping it to continue delivering essential programs, services and events that bring people together.”
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 394 serves Dunchurch, Magnetawan and surrounding communities by providing a gathering space for veterans, locals and visitors. The branch offers a range of services and programs, including community meals, live entertainment, games and social events.
“The Members of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #394 in Dunchurch are excited to be in receipt of this Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation grant,” said, Bill Church, President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 394. “Our thanks to MPP Graydon Smith for his assistance in acquiring this funding. This grant will allow us to upgrade our building to be more accessible to all members of the community and our veterans in particular who are living in the area.”
With NOHFC funding, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 394 is undertaking building repairs and upgrades to improve accessibility, safety and functionality. The project includes renovating the main entrance by adding an accessible ramp, installing automatic doors and building a roof over the entrance, as well as upgrading the men’s and women’s washrooms, widening the main hallway, building a new side deck, replacing an exterior kitchen door and purchasing two refrigerators. Once complete, the improvements will help ensure the legion remains a safe, accessible, modern and efficient community hub for years to come, while creating new opportunities for rentals, events and community use.
“Legions are vital gathering places in rural and northern Ontario, and it’s great to see our government supporting the renovation and modernization of the Dunchurch Legion,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka. “This funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation will help ensure the Legion remains a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for veterans, community members and visitors. I’m pleased to see this important project moving forward and I thank the NOHFC and the Legion’s board and volunteers for their hard work in making it possible.”
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 increased investment, 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 $1.1 billion in over 8,900 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,850 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.
Media ContactSam McCormick Media Relations |
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