September 22, 2026

Provincial funding will expand event space to increase vendor capacity and boost local economic activity

TIMMINS — The Ontario government is investing $157,046 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Porcupine District Agricultural Society expand and upgrade the Mountjoy Farmers’ Market pavilion. This funding delivers on the province’s plan to protect Ontario by helping northern communities improve municipal infrastructure and boost local economic activity, benefitting agricultural producers, small businesses and the community at large.

“Farmers’ markets connect agricultural producers and local businesses with residents and visitors alike, making them an important part of northern communities,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Our government is building a stronger northern Ontario, and this investment will help the Porcupine District Agricultural Society improve a key piece of infrastructure that can host diverse community events, support local vendors and improve access to locally produced food.”

The Porcupine District Agricultural Society organizes the Mountjoy Farmers’ Market, as well as other community events and gatherings, such as the Timmins Fall Fair. With the NOHFC’s support, the organization will expand the farmers’ market facility into a modern, multi-purpose pavilion, doubling vendor capacity and extending the operating season. The improvements will also include new, accessible washrooms and upgrades to other amenities, including entryways, enhancing the sustainability and usability of the space.

“The NOHFC funding has had a significant positive impact on the Mountjoy Farmers Market by allowing us to expand and improve our facilities to better serve our vendors, farmers, and visitors,” said Rock Whissell, President of the Porcupine District Agricultural Society. “The funding supported the expansion of our pavilion, increasing our covered space and vendor capacity while providing improved electrical infrastructure and new washroom facilities. These improvements have created a more comfortable, accessible, and professional environment for both vendors and customers, while allowing us to accommodate more local farmers and agricultural producers. The expanded facility also strengthens the market’s ability to host community events and activities beyond regular market days, contributing to greater community engagement and economic activity in the Timmins area. Overall, the NOHFC investment has helped us build on the market’s continued growth and create a stronger, more sustainable venue for local agriculture, small businesses, and our community”

“Amid trade disruptions and global uncertainty, we’re protecting Ontario by strengthening our ability to grow, sell and buy food here at home,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Our government’s investment in the Mountjoy Farmer’s Market Pavilion will give local producers a better place to sell directly to their neighbours, grow their businesses, and get more Ontario-grown food onto kitchen tables across Timmins. When we buy local, we protect our food security, our economy, and 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

• In 2026 the Mountjoy Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., May 30^th to October 10^th.
• 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 Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.