NORTH BAY – The Ontario government is providing $58,539 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to four projects in the North Bay region. This investment will promote tourism and travel, strengthen businesses and cultural organizations, and boost the regional economy in Northeastern Ontario.

“By investing in Nipissing’s events, together with our partners we are increasing our community profile and attracting positive economic spin-offs,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “Events like the Powassan Agricultural Society’s Fall Fair are annual events that local families and tourists from afar have come to enjoy. NOHFC’s financial support will help maintain the fair’s sustainability for future events.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $15,000 for the North Bay Film Festival to enhance its advertising efforts to reach a broader audience and attract tourists. The festival will showcase contemporary cinema and highlight Canadian, Indigenous and Northern Ontarian filmmakers
• $15,000 for the Winter Market Experience, organized by the Tourism North Bay Association, to host an outdoor winter market and wonderland experience in downtown North Bay
• $15,000 for the Northern Ontario Regional Tourism Organization to organize the Northern Ontario Summit. This summit will bring together tourism businesses, organizations, suppliers and government representatives to promote the tourism sector in Northern Ontario
• $13,539 for the Powassan Fall Fair, organized by the Powassan Agricultural Society, to purchase and install new bleachers, contributing to the long-term sustainability and quality of the fair. The family-friendly event will feature activities such as agricultural competitions, a demolition derby, a rescued animal petting zoo and local vendors.

“Our government is pleased to support these significant investments in our northern communities. By leveraging tools like the NOHFC, we continue to promote Northern Ontario as a diverse and eclectic cultural destination,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “This funding reflects our commitment to supporting the cultural pulse of Northern Ontario while creating real economic opportunities for locals.”

The NOHFC promotes economic growth, job creation, and workforce development across the North in communities large and small, 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 Cultural Supports Program showcases Northern Ontario culture, geography and talent through event partnerships and support for the production of films and TV series.

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.

Quote

“The funding from NOHFC greatly assisted the society in the purchasing of bleachers, providing much-needed increased seating capacity for the horse pulls and demolition derby. The Officers, Board of Directors and members are very thankful for the funding.” – Isabel Topps, Director, Powassan Agricultural Society

Media Contacts

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

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