ARMOUR – The Ontario government is providing more than $334,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to two community infrastructure projects in the Township of Armour. This investment will improve municipal and recreational infrastructure, promote tourism and enhance quality of life in the Northeast.

 

“I’m thankful for the NOHFC’s commitment to the Katrine Community Centre and Watt Century Farm Heritage Centre infrastructure improvement projects,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “Community centres and heritage buildings are the heart of small-town Ontario. It’s where we spend time with our neighbours, welcome new-comers and visitors, and showcase our proud history. I hope the residents of Armour and the surrounding Almaguin Highlands can enjoy these centres for years to come.”

 

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

 

• $173,700 for the Township of Armour to upgrade the Katrine Community Centre by renovating the washroom and kitchen, updating the landscape and facade, increasing storage space and installing new signage. The project will improve the appearance, accessibility and usability of the facility’s exterior and interior.
• $160,380 for the Township of Armour to upgrade the Watt Century Farm Heritage Centre by removing and replacing the existing shed, installing an accessible washroom, and expanding the exhibit and event spaces to store and display Almaguin Highlands artifacts. The project will provide a step back in time to visitors and support the Heritage Day Festival held every July.

 

“The Township of Armour is extremely grateful to the province for its support of two key projects in our community. The NOHFC supported our major renovation project at the Katrine Community Centre and our storage expansion at the Watt Century Farm Heritage Centre, which frame nicely our Township motto to remember the past and plan for the future,” said Rod Ward, Mayor, Township of Armour. “We thank the Ontario government, NOHFC, and our MPP, Graydon Smith, as well as our staff, volunteers, council, and the community for supporting these initiatives.”

 

“Our government is committed to the well-being of communities across the Northeast.” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “These investments will help the Township of Armour make repairs and upgrades to community infrastructure, enhancing recreational facilities and providing accessible and vibrant spaces for residents and tourists alike.”

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 $759 million in 6,233 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,590 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