Ontario Supporting Community Development in the Northwest

Posted on September 19, 2024

NIPIGON – The Ontario government is providing more than $2.6 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to four community development projects in the Northwest region. This investment will help build or update important facilities and assets in northern and Indigenous communities.

“The NOHFC investments we are recognizing today underscore our government's commitment to reconciliation and meaningful partnership with Northern and First Nations communities,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “By supporting these crucial projects—from cultural centers to essential infrastructure—we are leveraging every tool at our disposal to ensure reconciliation is not just a goal, but a reality for First Nations families and community members.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

  • $1,879,000 for Red Rock Indian Band to build the Lake Helen Wellbeing and Cultural Centre – a multifunctional facility with an accessible gymnasium, community kitchen, and training and business incubator spaces
  • $500,000 for Pays Plat First Nation to build an extension onto its community centre to create a more accessible and energy efficient space where various cultural and sporting events can be held
  • $200,000 for Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek – formerly known as Rocky Bay First Nation – to repair the community breakwall to protect the docks and boats in the harbour and marina
  • $35,360 for the Local Services Board of East Gorham to install backup power generator systems in two fire halls to ensure emergency vehicles can respond to emergency situations during power outages.

The NOHFC fosters economic growth, job creation and workforce development throughout the North, benefiting communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $835 million in 6,713 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,380 jobs.

Quick Fact

  • 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

Quotes

“The Red Rock Indian Band is focused on developing the Lake Helen Wellbeing and Cultural Centre to enhance lifelong learning, health services, employability and cultural pride in our community. This centre aims to improve the quality of life for members by expanding access and programs. We appreciate the support from the NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program for this project.” – Chief Allan Odawa Jr., Red Rock Indian Band

“The Chief and Council of Pays Plat First Nation are pleased to acknowledge the funding support received from the NOHFC to renovate and expand the community hall. Enhancing the hall's accessibility and expanding its facilities will greatly improve the community's ability to host cultural, wellness and sporting events at the site.” – Chief David P. Mushquash, Pays Plat First Nation

“Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek is grateful for the Ontario government’s funding support towards the breakwall project. The project is to protect the docks and vessels in our community’s harbour and marina and is the beginning and first phase of a larger plan to revitalize our fisheries and enable our community members to develop Indigenous experiences for the tourism industry.” – Chief Gladys Thompson, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek

“The Local Services Board of East Gorham is pleased to announce that it has received funding from the NOHFC to install backup power generators at both of its fire halls. Winter power outages are a reality in the North, and being prepared will ensure that firefighting equipment is protected from the elements and ready to respond in case of an emergency. Additionally, the backup power will allow the buildings to function as community emergency shelters during times of crisis.” – Suanne Howes, Treasurer, Local Services Board of East Gorham

Media Contacts

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office -- 437-240-7317 -- curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca
Media Desk, Communications Branch -- mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca