ECHO BAY – The Ontario government is investing more than $2.5 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in eight community infrastructure projects in the Algoma and Sudbury Districts. This investment will improve municipal infrastructure, expand tourism opportunities and enhance quality of life in Northeastern Ontario.

“Through targeted investments, our government is building strong, connected and prosperous communities in Algoma, Sudbury and across the North,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “We are proud to support municipal partners on projects that build vibrant recreational amenities and improve mental and physical wellness in every corner of Northern Ontario.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $941,500 to the Municipality of Wawa for two modernization projects upgrading the Michipicoten Memorial Community Center (MMCC), an important hub for community recreation, special events and tourism
• $478,568 for the Township of Chapleau to install a back-up electrical power generator at the civic centre, home to the community’s fire department, library, emergency operations centre and town hall
• $389,394 for the Township of MacDonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional to make roof and insulation upgrades to the Echo Bay Sportsplex, home to a diverse range of community events and programming
• $200,000 for the Township of St. Joseph to make critical rehabilitation upgrades to the Richards Landing Marina Building, a multi-use facility that hosts a wide variety of community and tourism events and activities
• $197,703 for the Searchmont Local Services Board to revitalize the community centre with structural and security upgrades and new fitness and playground equipment
• $168,660 for the Township of Johnson to renovate and upgrade the community centre kitchen to offer cooking demonstrations and classes and serve meals during sport and public events
• $167,832 for the Kebsquasheshing Golf Club, a not-for-profit golf course in Chapleau, to install an irrigation system and purchase equipment to maintain the quality of the golf course

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 $685 million in 5,656 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,000 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.

Quotes

“Thanks to the generous contribution from the NOHFC to replace the roof and insulation at the Echo Bay Sportsplex, our Eco-Ice system will run more effectively and efficiently and we will be able to continue offering events and programs on a year-round basis, contributing to the overall health and vibrancy of our community. We would like to thank the NOHFC for their continued support to local rural municipalities.” – Mayor Lynn Watson, Township of MacDonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional

“Funding from the NOHFC will allow the Municipal Emergency Operations Centre to remain at the civic centre in the event of a power outage and continue operating municipal services and critical infrastructure for the community of Chapleau.” – Mayor Bignucolo,Township of Chapleau.

“We thank the NOHFC and Minister Rickford for the financial support needed to ensure a safe and accessible Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre that continues to provide a host of recreational, cultural and community events for our residents, neighbours and visitors to the area. The Wawa Community Centre is the only facility in our municipality where people can gather to take part in seniors fitness classes, curl, play hockey and meet at annual events such as the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby that contribute greatly to the local economy and the health and well-being of the community.” – Maury O’Neill, Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of Wawa

“The upgrades to the kitchen in our Community Centre will expand our abilities to feed and care for our friends and neighbors. It is only with the assistance of NOHFC that such an extensive renovation and upgrade has been made possible.” – Janet Maguire, Clerk and Chief Administrative Officer, Township of Johnson

“The Richards Landing Municipal Marina Services Building supports employment and economic development in our community. The NOHFC’s support will allow the building to safely and efficiently serve community members and visitors for many years to come.” – Sherie Gladu, Community Projects Coordinator, Township of St. Joseph

“With funding from the NOHFC, we’re able to expand and upgrade our community centre to meet current health and safety standards, including improved air for indoor activities. These improvements make our community centre once again a place to gather and enjoy our facilities.” – Arne Larsen, Chair, Searchmont Local Services Board

“Thanks to the much-needed support from the NOHFC, the future of the Golf Club and its facilities will be ensured. We are committed to providing continued recreational and social activities in our community for many years to come.” – Gwen McNight, Secretary and Youth Golf Director, Kebsquasheshing Golf Club

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Media Contacts

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

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