Ontario Promoting Healthy Active Lifestyle for Kids in Kenora

Posted on December 13, 2022

KENORA – The Ontario government is providing $145,938 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the Kenora SportsPlex Organization to build an indoor playground. This investment is developing community recreational infrastructure, supporting social connections and improving quality of life for northerners.

“Our government is focused on investing in communities and creating vibrant recreational facilities that promote health and improve wellness,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “The Kenora SportsPlex is an incredible space for youth, families and seniors, and today’s investment will only expand the facility’s offerings.”

The Kenora SportsPlex Organization is a volunteer-run non-profit that is responsible for the operation of the Kenora SportsPlex, a multi-purpose indoor recreation facility. The organization will use NOHFC funding to build Lakelife Playroom, an indoor play space for kids within the facility. The project involves creating three defined play areas for different age groups, as well as a sitting area for adults.

“The Kenora SportsPlex is thrilled to bring this exciting addition to our complex and offer an additional recreation amenity for families in our community,” said Megan Derouard, Chair, Kenora SportsPlex Board. “Without this investment from the Ontario government through the NOHFC, this project would not be possible. We are excited to expand our facility and add another opportunity for our youth.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $578 million in 4,935 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.87 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 7,870 jobs.

Quick Facts

  • The Kenora SportsPlex supports a wide variety of indoor activities for all ages, such as athletic training for multiple sports, Special Olympics events and Indigenous youth programs.
  • In 2021, the Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the north.

Additional Resources

The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through investments in important infrastructure projects.

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office -- 416-450-1309 -- erika.robson@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch -- mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca