SIOUX NARROWS-NESTOR FALLS – The Ontario government is providing $555,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to two Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls economic development projects. This investment will help improve municipal infrastructure, promote Indigenous culture, and strengthen quality of life in the Northwest.

“Our government is keeping up with growing northern municipalities by investing in local infrastructure and community spaces that are used on a daily basis,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River. “Visitors and residents will be able to enjoy all that our community has to offer while learning about the region’s rich Indigenous heritage.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $375,000 for the Township to renovate Sioux Narrows Government Dock. The project includes expanding the public boat launch, enlarging the parking area, landscaping the shoreline, and installing new lighting
• $180,000 for the Township to revamp Bridge Park. The project includes redesigning the walkway and picnic area to make them accessible, and installing signage that honours local Indigenous heritage.

Tourism is a main industry in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, impacting over 80 per cent of local businesses. The population consists of approximately 1,000 year-round residents and 5,000 seasonal residents.

“The Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls is immensely grateful for the support from the NOHFC,” said Gale Black, Mayor of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls. “This investment will contribute significantly to enhancing our public infrastructure for residents and visitors to enjoy. Without the support of the NOHFC, these community improvements would be difficult to achieve.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $717 million in 5,875 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,260 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.

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.
• The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.

Media Contacts

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

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