BRITT – The Ontario government is providing the Local Services Board (LSB) of Britt-Byng Inlet with $55,949 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to repair and renovate the public dock in Byng Inlet. This investment will revitalize the former dock and improve access to the water for locals and seasonal visitors.

“Having access to waterways leading to Georgian Bay is very important,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “That is why I am thankful that the NOHFC funded this project. This public dock will be a great asset for many years to come.”

The LSB of Britt-Byng Inlet will use the NOHFC funding to remove existing debris from the damaged dock, reduce the length of the existing dock structure to lower maintenance costs, repair the structure of the dock and replace the top decking. In addition, the LSB will use the funds to apply a new surface of gravel to the shore area.

“Our government is leveraging tools like the NOHFC to respond to the needs of the North, including the Britt-Byng Inlet community,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “This funding allows for timely repairs and renovations to take place at the public dock, providing community members with a waterfront space that is safe and reliable. Together with Byng Inlet, we are improving quality of life for local families and seasonal visitors.”

This renovation is important to the local community as the dock was severely damaged in a storm and has been out of operation since November 2020. This NOHFC-funded project will refurbish the dock while creating a new community gathering space and public water access point for all.

“This dock is a key piece of infrastructure for our community and its restoration is vital,” said Harold Themer, Chair, Local Services Board of Britt-Byng Inlet. “We are grateful to the NOHFC for their support throughout the project, from application to completion. Many hours of hard work have gone into this project. It is great to see the dock fully renovated and ready to be used for many years to come.”

Britt and Byng Inlet are communities on the northeastern shore of Georgian Bay and are home to many seasonal residents. The LSB of Britt-Byng Inlet provides critical infrastructure to its members, including fire protection, garbage collection and recreation.

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