Ontario Expanding Thunder City Speedway in Oliver Paipoonge

OLIVER PAIPOONGE – The Ontario government is providing $200,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the Thunder Valley Development Corporation to invest in facilities at the Thunder City Speedway racetrack. This investment will boost the regional economy, promote tourism and enhance quality of life for northerners.

“The investment of $200,000 for the installation of new bleachers, lighting, fencing and a sound system will enhance the enjoyment and usability of this racing facility for both the drivers and the fans,” said Kevin Holland, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Development. “The Thunder City Speedway has been a welcome addition to our area and the fan excitement has been building.”

Thunder Valley Development Corporation will use $200,000 in NOHFC funding to construct bleachers, lighting, fencing and gating and install a new sound system. These upgrades will help establish year-round racing events for Thunder Bay, including dirt track, snowmobile, go-cart, monster truck, canine and equestrian racing, along with music events that will have a positive impact on the local hospitality industry and automotive parts dealerships associated with racing events.

“Many thanks to the NOHFC for contributing funding to the Thunder City Speedway. With assistance from the Ontario government, the racetrack was able to address many important issues, like track lighting, safety fencing and seating capacity, creating a much safer and more inviting facility for fans, drivers and workers alike,” said Norman Nadin, co-owner of Thunder City Speedway. “This contribution has helped Thunder City Speedway expand, creating more opportunity for full-time and part-time employment,” added co-owner Louis Nadin.

“Our government is proud to support the Thunder City Speedway with expanding audience capacity and enhancing safety, allowing for a broader range of family-oriented events in Oliver Paipoonge,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Targeted investments like these demonstrate our government’s commitment to help northern businesses expand operations and contribute to the sustainability, prosperity and growth of the North’s tourism industry.”

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.