EMO – The Ontario government is providing over $857,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to three agricultural economic development projects in the Rainy River region. This investment will improve community infrastructure and boost agribusiness operations in Northwestern Ontario.

“It’s no secret that Rainy River is a bustling agricultural hub for our region, and with the help of the NOHFC, we are making targeted investments in projects that improve operations for local agri-operators,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River and Minister of Northern Development. “In addition to the cattle sales barn rehabilitation, we’ve supported upgrades to the concession booth, exhibition hall and fencing at the Emo fairgrounds and look forward to showcasing the enhancements at this weekend’s fair.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $375,000 for the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society to replace its concession booth and exhibit hall at the fairgrounds in Emo. The construction of a larger, modern, accessible building will serve multiple purposes and various user groups, while promoting agriculture in the region.
• $302,220 for the Rainy River Cattleman’s Association to refurbish Ontario’s largest locally owned cattle sales barn. The project will provide safe and efficient operations for cattle hosting events and other activities and help increase business operations for people across the Northwest.
• $180,000 for the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society to install new perimeter fencing around the fairgrounds in Emo. The project will improve the quality and safety of fencing around the grandstand, horse track and stock car racing track.

“We are incredibly pleased with the continued support from the NOHFC, and Minister Rickford’s loyalty of agriculture does not go unnoticed,” said Kim Jo Bliss, Chair, Rainy River Cattleman’s Association. “The support for our sales barn benefits producers across the entire Northwest including the districts of Rainy River, Kenora, and Thunder Bay. Our community-owned and -operated sales barn is a desirable place to market cattle and the NOHFC program is a huge part of this.”

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.

• The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.

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