October 9, 2026
Provincial funding supports five northern economic development projects that improve community infrastructure, help a business grow and keep workers on the job
ALGOMA-MANITOULIN — The Ontario government is investing $1,313,430 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support five projects in the Algoma-Manitoulin region. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is helping companies grow, keeping workers on the job and building stronger communities across the North by making strategic investments that improve local infrastructure, support business expansion and create good-paying jobs.
“Our government is making investments that help northern Ontario communities reach their full potential and become even more attractive places to live, work and visit,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Through NOHFC funding, we are supporting economic growth in the Algoma-Manitoulin region by helping businesses expand, enhancing community and tourism infrastructure, and creating spaces that bring people together.” As part of this investment, the following projects are receiving NOHFC funding:
- The Town of Spanish is receiving $400,000 to repair the docks at the Spanish Municipal Marina and $200,000 to rehabilitate the deck at the adjacent Four Seasons Waterfront Complex, extending the lifespan of these key tourism assets and encouraging boaters and other visitors to stay longer in the community.
- Z’gamok Construction LP, an Indigenous-owned construction company in Sagamok Anishnawbek that provides a diverse range of services to the mining sector, is receiving $400,000 to construct and equip a maintenance division building, allowing the company to bring servicing of its heavy-equipment fleet in-house and expand into third-party heavy-equipment maintenance services, creating approximately 12 jobs.
- Serpent River First Nation is receiving $180,000 to upgrade its Powwow grounds, including the purchase of ten aluminum grandstands, electrical work and new signage, which will support cultural and educational programming and the sharing of historical knowledge with visitors while prolonging the life of this important community facility.
- The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands is receiving $133,430 to renovate its community recreation centre, including lighting enhancements in the stairwell and main event hall, installation of commercial-grade kitchen equipment and replacement of plumbing systems, which will reduce operating costs while increasing rental revenue from an upgraded event space.
“I am pleased to congratulate Z’gamok Construction, Serpent River First Nation, the Town of Spanish and the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands on these important NOHFC-supported investments,” said Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin. “These projects will strengthen local communities, create new opportunities, support Indigenous-led economic development and improve essential infrastructure for residents across Manitoulin and the North. I look forward to seeing the lasting benefits these investments will bring to the region.”
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 approved more than $1.1 billion for 9,000-plus projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment, creating over 11,580 new jobs and sustaining over 2,345 jobs.
Quotes
“The Town of Spanish is deeply appreciative of the funding provided through the NOHFC to support our municipal marina and Four Seasons Waterfront Complex. The Spanish Municipal Marina attracts visitors from across the broader region, Ontario and the USA, who in turn provide economic benefits to the local business community. The marina provides seasonal employment for 2 harbour masters and up to 6 summer students each year. The support of the NOHFC makes it possible to continue attracting visitors off the water and into our downtown core.”
– Pamela Lortie, CAO/Clerk-Treasurer, Town of Spanish
“We are grateful to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for its investment in Z’gamok Construction. This funding will support the growth of our maintenance services capabilities while creating employment, training and economic opportunities for Sagamok Anishnawbek. As a proudly Indigenous-owned company, we are committed to building long-term capacity that benefits our community and contributes to the strength of Northern Ontario’s economy.”
– Will Sayers, Chief Executive Officer, Z’gamok Construction LP
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Province and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for their support. The recreation centre is a central hub promoting active lifestyles and providing activities for all age groups. The kitchen, washroom and lighting upgrades will enhance those activities and benefit our community members for years to come.”
– Dave Williamson, Treasurer, Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
Media ContactSam McCormick Media Relations |
news.ontario.ca/mnedg/en Disponible en français |
