MCDOUGALL–The Ontario government is providing the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre with $500,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to upgrade its facilities. This investment will help the centre renovate and modernize its assets to continue to provide enriching nature-based programming for locals and visitors for many years to come.

“The Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre has become an excellent facility for the community to enjoy year-round,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “With this investment from the NOHFC, the centre will be able to update and improve aging infrastructure, buy new equipment and plan for future expansion. I’m happy to see this great organization be supported with provincial funding so it can continue to provide a place for people to actively enjoy the outdoors.”

NOHFC funding will enable the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre to construct a pavilion for year-round visitor use, build a garage for storage and maintenance, update the septic system and purchase trail building and maintenance equipment to create an overall safer and higher quality trail system.

“The NOHFC funding contributing to capital improvements is a game-changer for us,” said Greg Mason, President, Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre. “The pavilion will allow us to comfortably welcome our visitors and permit us to host larger events in all seasons. Additionally, the garage will house our grooming and maintenance equipment in a safe way that will improve their lifespan. The new equipment is key to our long-term plans and needs to provide a high-quality trail network in all seasons that caters to users ranging from beginners to more experienced folks.”

The Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre sits on approximately 325 hectares of land and boasts over 60 kilometres of combined cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biking, and hiking trails. It offers a range of programs for kids and adults, along with hosting a variety of events.

“Our government understands the importance of investing in multi-use spaces like the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre as we work to attract families and visitors to explore all that Northern Ontario has to offer,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Today’s investment showcases the lasting impact of the NOHFC’s partnerships with tourism operators in the North.”

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.

Media Contacts

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