Provincial funding will strengthen emergency response and public safety services
across the region

RAINY RIVER — The Ontario government is investing $180,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support the renovation of the Rainy River fire hall. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding is enhancing emergency response and public safety services across the Rainy River District.

“Rainy River is a key central point for emergency services in the west end of the Rainy River District,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Revitalizing the Rainy River fire hall will not only benefit the Town of Rainy River, but also the Townships of Dawson and Lake of the Woods, local First Nation communities and unincorporated areas in the region.”

The Town of Rainy River is receiving NOHFC funding to upgrade its fire hall by updating the truck bay, enhancing the rest area, adding a training room and purchasing equipment to modernize and improve the functionality of the facility. Once complete, the project will provide firefighters with modern equipment and an optimized operational base, enable the recruitment of more volunteers, reduce the building’s environmental footprint and support awareness campaigns, educational workshops and community-driven programs.

“On behalf of Council and the residents of Rainy River, I want to thank the Government of Ontario for its continued support of our community,” said Deborah J. Ewald, Mayor of the Town of Rainy River. “Through the NOHFC, we received funding for fire hall renovations. As well, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming provided $20,000 in support of Railroad Daze and the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response awarded $45,000 through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant for 2024–25. These investments strengthen our emergency services, enhance community safety and support local events that bring us together.”

“This investment has real, tangible and positive impacts for the Rainy River District, providing our local firefighters the tools they need as they keep our communities safe,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora- Rainy River. “Our government is leveraging the NOHFC to protect and enhance the quality of life for residents and communities in Northwestern Ontario.”

Announced in June 2025, the Ontario government is refocusing the NOHFC to prioritize investments that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of Northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s recently announced investment of an additional $30 million over the next three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

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 $939 million in 7,563 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,900 jobs.
• The Rainy River Fire Department is part of the West Rainy River District Fire Service, an amalgamation of three fire departments that also includes the Dawson Township Fire Department and Lake of the Woods Township Fire Department.

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.