Provincial investment will strengthen local infrastructure and enhance tourism

MAGNETAWAN — The Ontario government has provided more than $230,000 to the Municipality of Magnetawan for upgrades to the Ahmic Lake public docking system, helping to create jobs, protect the economy and promote health and well-being in Northern Ontario.

“Our government continues to make investments toward public infrastructure that will ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy our communities,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “The public docks here in Magnetawan are used by everyone to access the rivers and lakes throughout the area and these improvements will make getting in and off the water safer and more enjoyable. I’m thankful to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for recognizing the value in the project and contributing to it through the Rural Enhancement Fund.”

Funding is being delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the community replace, repair and upgrade the public docks at two key access points, extending the life of the infrastructure, as well as ensuring the safety of the residents, cottagers, tourists and business owners who make use of the public water access space.

“Through this NOHFC investment, our government is helping northern communities upgrade recreational infrastructure,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Important community hubs, such as the public docks in Magnetawan, contribute to the overall quality of life of northerners and bring economic opportunities to their municipalities.”

“The Ahmic Lake Dock Improvement Project is more than just infrastructure — it’s a gateway to economic growth, environmental stewardship and community connection,” said Sam Dunnett, Mayor, Municipality of Magnetawan. “Without vital grant funding from the NOHFC, projects like this remain out of reach for many communities. This support is not just an investment in a structure, but in the future we’re building together.”

The government is refocusing funding through the NOHFC to support projects that strengthen the economy and help sectors and communities respond to economic challenges in the face of U.S. tariffs. This new direction for the NOHFC will include focusing investments on projects that respond rapidly to emerging issues in sectors and communities impacted by U.S. tariffs. Funding will also focus on supporting economic growth, innovation and creating and maintaining jobs in Northern Ontario for the long-term.

Quick Facts

•  Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $905 million in 7,309 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,210 jobs.
• In January 2025, the Ontario government announced an investment of an additional $30 million over three years beginning in 2025–26, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. This funding will serve as a catalyst for further economic development and growth in the North and support the expansion of NOHFC programming eligibility to the District of Muskoka.

Additional Resources 

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.