September 16, 2026

Funding will support repairs to vital community recreation hub

ELLIOT LAKE — The Ontario government is investing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the City of Elliot Lake make critical structural repairs and upgrades to the Rogers Arena to ensure it can once again host practices and games for the Elliot Lake Vikings Hockey Club. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is making strategic investments to help municipalities build and revitalize important community infrastructure that supports stronger, healthier and more accessible northern communities and helps residents stay active and connected.

“Funding critical sport and recreation infrastructure helps communities maintain and enhance the public spaces that foster connection and support active lifestyles,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “By supporting repairs to the Rogers Arena, our government is investing in a community asset that will continue to provide opportunities for recreation, events and social gatherings for years to come.”

The City of Elliot Lake will use the NOHFC funding to undertake roof repairs and upgrades, foundation repairs and install new structural beams. Addressing these needed repairs will help ensure the facility remains safe and fully operational for the upcoming hockey season and into the future.

“The City of Elliot Lake is sincerely grateful to the Ontario Government, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), and MPP Bill Rosenberg for their continued support of our community,” said Huda Al Tukmachy and Natalie Bray, Acting CAOs for the City of Elliot Lake. “This $2 million investment will assist the City in completing critical structural repairs to Rogers Arena and represents an important step toward ensuring this valued community facility is safe, sustainable, and able to serve Elliot Lake residents for years to come. We greatly appreciate this investment in our community and in the future of Elliot Lake.”

“Congratulations to the City of Elliot Lake on your successful funding from NOHFC for the Rogers Arena project,” said Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin. “This valued support of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation will bring important improvements to help ensure that the arena remains a safe, welcoming, and vibrant community facility for residents and visitors for many years to come. This investment stands as a strong example of how provincial support, in partnership with the municipality, can deliver lasting benefits and strengthen our communities.”

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, our government has invested more than $1.1 billion in over 8,900 public and private sector projects in northern Ontario through the NOHFC, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment, and creating or sustaining over 13,850 jobs.

Additional Resources

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