KENORA – The Ontario government is providing more than $2.5 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to seven economic development projects and 15 internship opportunities in the Kenora region. This investment will support community engagement, help businesses expand operations and grow Northern Ontario’s workforce.

“The projects we are recognizing today are proof positive of the impact our modernized NOHFC programming has on local businesses, organizations, and communities across Treaty #3 territories,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and MPP for Kenora–Rainy River. “From recreational opportunities to First Nations community infrastructure enhancements to youth employment, our government is ensuring the Kenora District remains strong and connected for years to come.”

Projects receiving NOHFC funding include:

• $500,000 for the Kenora Chiefs Advisory to renovate and repurpose an existing building into a welcome centre and art studio for Anishinaabe art-related programming and teachings
• $500,000 for the Kenora Golf and Country Club to make accessibility improvements to its clubhouse, pave golf cart paths and build a maintenance shed
• $468,000 for Grand Council Treaty #3 for the construction of the Turtle Lodge at the Gamikaan Bimaadiziwin Healing Camp, allowing the facility to become a year-round gathering space for training and healing programs
• $180,000 for the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls to relocate and expand the Sioux Narrows Library to a centralized location in the community, improving library access and expanding its hours and services
• $177,452 for Pellatt United Firefighters Inc. to renovate and upgrade the fire hall and community centre building, providing a suitable and vibrant hub for social, recreational and fundraising events in the region
• $145,431 for LOTW Ice Sleepers, a four-season tourism start-up located in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, to purchase mobile ice castles and equipment to operate its winter ice fishing business
• $60,660 for the Lake of the Woods Gun Club to purchase equipment to make facility and trail enhancements, improving the experience for both spectators and participants in biathlon and other shooting sports
• $40,455 for Sierra Construction to hire a Carpenter Intern to complete construction work, including learning to read blueprints, using tools tailored to different projects and learning the municipal building permitting process
• $35,000 for Iskatewizaagegan No.39 First Nation (Shoal Lake) to hire a Human Resources Assistant to identify training opportunities for staff and help with the onboarding process for new hires
• $35,000 for the Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce to hire a Chamber and Membership Co-ordinator to develop and implement new programs and services for members and manage the Chamber’s social media accounts.

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 $864 million in 7,028 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.5 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,932 jobs.

Quick Facts 

• The Ontario government’s enhanced 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.

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.
• Full list of the 15 Kenora region internships receiving NOHFC funding.

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office
erika.robson@ontario.ca

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