FORT FRANCES – The Ontario government is providing $615,250 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for two Rainy River District community enhancement projects. This investment will support important infrastructure upgrades and expand access to recreational activities in Northwestern Ontario.

“Our government is committed to revitalizing community infrastructure in the northwest,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “We are focused on keeping our northern communities relevant and current, making them attractive places to live, work, play and do business.”

The Town of Fort Frances is receiving $499,000 in NOHFC funding to refurbish Legion Park, a popular family-friendly outdoor green space. The refurbishment project includes building a splash pad, installing a new playground and park lighting, and providing accessible walkways and washrooms.

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation is receiving $116,250 in NOHFC funding to purchase a new canopy for its events tent. The tent is used for various events, such as the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, Rainy River Pumpkin Festival, and Emo Canada Day celebrations. This funding will also be used to build a storage shed for the tent and other equipment.

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 $608 million in 5,070 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.93 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 8,100 jobs.

Quick Fact

• In 2021, 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.

Quotes

“The funding from the NOHFC is not only a significant and much need boost toward meeting our fundraising goal, but also a huge step forward in our long-term plans for the rehabilitation of Legion Park. This funding is a contribution toward the 3000-square-foot splash pad, new accessible washroom facilities, new play structures and other amenities to make this park a welcoming space for the whole family.” – Travis Rob, Operations & Facilities Manager, Town of Fort Frances

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Rainy River Future Development Corporation, I would like to thank the NOHFC for its support of community events in the district. These events bring much needed tourism dollars to the community and stimulate local investment. Our new tent and storage shed will go a long way in allowing these events to put on a professional face.” – Gordon Armstrong, President, Rainy River Future Development Corporation

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office — 416-450-1309 — erika.robson@ontario.ca

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