DRYDEN – The Ontario government is providing nearly $237,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the City of Dryden for two community infrastructure projects. This investment will support structural repairs to Dryden’s main docks and replace the fire hall’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

“Our government understands the importance of having safe and reliable community infrastructure, and the City of Dryden’s Van Horne Landing Dock and Firehall #1 are no exception,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Through the NOHFC, we are proud to support local projects that make a real difference in the lives of residents, businesses and tourists, as well as the emergency responders that keep our community safe.”

The City of Dryden received $146,775 in funding from the NOHFC for necessary structural repairs to the city’s main docks, located at the south end of Van Horne Avenue. In the spring of 2022, the city experienced the highest historical water levels recorded, and the outer section of the docks was damaged by water levels and ice. The repairs will reduce future maintenance costs and keep the docks safe and functional for residents, businesses and tourists.

In addition, Dryden received $90,000 in funding from the NOHFC to replace the HVAC system in Firehall #1. The project will increase efficiency and lower operating costs, while improving the comfort of staff and volunteers.

“The Van Horne Landing Dock sustained significant damage last year and funding from the NOHFC will allow us to make necessary repairs to fully re-open the dock, giving residents and visitors a place to safely access and enjoy Wabigoon Lake,” said Jack Harrison, Mayor of Dryden. “NOHFC funding will also allow us to upgrade the HVAC system at Firehall #1, providing a safe and comfortable workplace for our full-time staff and volunteer firefighters for years to come. We greatly appreciate the continued support from Minister Rickford and the NOHFC.”

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 Facts

• 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