September 18, 2026
New community arena and recreation centre will be a hub to promote healthy living and boost local tourism
CONSTANCE LAKE — The Ontario government is investing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help build a state-of-the-art arena and recreation centre in Constance Lake First Nation. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is helping build sport and recreation infrastructure in the North to empower communities, create job opportunities and ensure northern communities are great places to live, work and raise a family.
“To build a more vibrant northern Ontario, our government is backing Indigenous-led projects and creating modern spaces that everyone can enjoy,” said George Pire, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “A new recreation hub in Constance Lake will do more than just improve access to sports, the space will also host community events, help champion cultural preservation and boost the local economy.”
Constance Lake First Nation is using NOHFC funding to help cover construction, equipment and design costs for its new athletic facility. This multi-purpose building will host tournaments, community cultural events and more. The project will contribute to the local economy through job creation and support active living and youth and community engagement. On Friday, September 18, Constance Lake First Nation hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of construction at the new facility.
“This facility is built by and for our community, a place where our youth can grow, our families can gather and our culture can be celebrated,” said Chief Richard Allen, Constance Lake First Nation. “We thank Minister Pirie and the Government of Ontario, through the NOHFC, for investing in a healthier, stronger future for Constance Lake First Nation.”
“This project represents exactly the kind of community-driven initiative that is supporting long-term prosperity,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “The NOHFC continues to work in partnership with First Nations communities to build accessible recreation spaces that are advancing stronger and healthier 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, 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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