IROQUOIS FALLS – The Ontario government is providing more than $580,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to four economic development projects in the Iroquois Falls region. This investment will improve municipal infrastructure and support physical activity for locals and visitors in Northeastern Ontario.

“Today’s announcement reflects the tangible impacts that NOHFC funding has on community organizations, as well as their offerings in the Iroquois Falls region,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Our investment means four community facilities are able to continue providing opportunities for families and community members of all ages to stay active and involved.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $429,044 for the Town of Iroquois Falls to install a new roof membrane on the Jus Jordan Arena and Sports Complex to ensure the facility is safe and structurally sound
• $67,613 for Abitibi Golf Club to renovate the clubhouse and purchase equipment to improve the golf course greens, extend the life of the clubhouse and make the facility more suitable for hosting events for club members and the broader community
• $63,698 for Cochrane Curling Club to replace the roof shingles to ensure the facility remains open and can continue offering curling and social activities to residents
• $20,722 for Porquis Recreation Association to purchase a backup power system for the community centre to ensure the facility’s operation can be sustained even in emergencies, which will benefit the community and support emergency services.

“In late winter and early spring of 2023, the Cochrane Curling Club sustained water damage and soon realized that new roof shingles were required, adding new insulation and replacing our ceiling tiles in the club’s lounge,” said Denis Lamarche, Board Member, Cochrane Curling Club. “Thanks in great part to the support and funding from NOHFC, we completed the repairs and have our building safe for our members and the continuation of our club. With support from the provincial government, local businesses and our municipality, our curling club can continue to provide this winter activity for all community members.”

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 $841 million in 6,894 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.5 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,560 jobs.

Quick Facts

• The Ontario government’s improved NOHFC programming supports more projects in rural northern communities and makes it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programming targets existing and emerging markets, provides more work opportunities for Indigenous people and addresses 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.

Media Contacts

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office — 437-240-7317 — curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca

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