November 5, 2026
Funding will help bring more visitors to communities across the North and strengthen local economies
NORTHERN ONTARIO — The Ontario government is investing over $1.8 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help 11 companies enhance or launch operations, strengthen the tourism sector and attract more visitors to northern Ontario. The investment is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by making strategic investments to support local businesses and help communities revitalize infrastructure that will increase access to local tourism opportunities and strengthen economic development in the North.
“Our government is proud to support tourism opportunities for communities, businesses and workers across northern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This NOHFC investment will help develop and improve attractions that draw visitors, increase economic activity and showcase the region’s unique qualities. By supporting tourism growth, we are helping to build a prosperous future for northern Ontario.”
Minister George Pirie announced this package at the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit in Sault Ste. Marie. Examples of NOHFC-funded projects across northern Ontario include:
- Tri-Town Ski Village, a ski hill in North Cobalt that provides skiing, snowboarding and tubing opportunities in the Temiskaming Shores region, is receiving $208,004 to install an air conditioning unit and buy equipment, including a refurbished snow groomer.
- The Municipality of Greenstone is receiving $172,102 to restore and preserve the iconic Beardmore Snowman through structural repairs, repainting and other improvements, extending the landmark’s useful life and supporting tourism, community pride and local businesses.
- Temagami Outpost, an off-grid lodge and outfitter that offers cabin rentals, outdoor recreation and guided experiences, is receiving $31,000 to expand into a year-round tourism destination through a new guest cabin and upgrades to its facilities and infrastructure.
The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs 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 9,011 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,900 jobs.
Quotes
“Northern Ontario offers some of the most unique and memorable tourism experiences in the province, and investments like these will help even more people discover all that the North has to offer. By supporting new and enhanced tourism experiences, we’re giving visitors more reasons to explore Ontario, stay longer and spend more in local communities – supporting businesses, jobs and a stronger tourism economy across the North.”
– Zee Hamid, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
“For 70 years, the Tri-Town Ski and Snowboard Village has been a beloved, family-friendly destination in northern Ontario, bringing generations together through downhill skiing and winter tubing. Funding from the Government of Ontario will help the club expand operating hours, improve equipment reliability and continue to offer an enjoyable winter experience for visitors of all ages. This investment will also support the growth and development of the facility, helping us to serve the community for generations to come.”
– Mark Howey, President, Tri-Town Ski and Snowboard Village
“The Beardmore Snowman is more than a roadside attraction. It is a recognizable symbol of our community and a landmark that welcomes visitors from across Ontario and beyond. Thanks to the NOHFC’s support, we are preserving an important part of our history and identity while enhancing a tourism asset that continues to generate pride for residents and attract travellers to Greenstone.”
– James McPherson, Mayor, Municipality of Greenstone
“Since buying Temagami Outpost in 2020, we’ve poured our hearts into bringing this off-grid lodge back to life, alongside a team whose hard work and care are part of every guest’s stay. Support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation has helped us make improvements that are difficult for a small, remote lodge to take on alone, creating more comfortable accommodations and opportunities for a longer season for our staff. It means we can keep building a place where people put their phones away, spend time together and leave with memories they’ll be talking about for years.”
– Nicolas De Ruiter, Managing Director, Temagami Outpost
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Advisory Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
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