New recreation centre will be a hub for cultural events, recreation and other community programming

November 20, 2025

WEBEQUIE — The Ontario government is investing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for Webequie First Nation to build a cultural recreation centre, providing the community with a safe, modern and culturally significant place for sports, traditional gatherings, entertainment and other community programming. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help First Nations build stronger, healthier and more self-reliant communities by revitalizing and building new local infrastructure, increasing local tourism and helping residents stay active and connected.

“Our government is dedicated to supporting community projects that create jobs and contribute to the cultural vibrancy in growing Indigenous communities like Webequie First Nation,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “The Cultural Recreation Centre Project will prioritize sustainable economic development, while providing a safe, welcoming space to bring people together and encourage active lifestyles.”

Webequie First Nation will construct a new, fully accessible 31,000-square-foot facility located centrally in the community. The project will present extensive benefits to Webequie First Nation, such as new job opportunities, improving community wellness and providing space for physical activities and other well-being initiatives. The centre will enable traditional knowledge access, encourage mentorship and facilitate community connectedness for all ages. The new facility will also host events more frequently and at a larger scale, for all visitors and residents of Webequie First Nation to enjoy.

“I would like to thank the Government of Ontario for investing and believing in our community’s vision,” said Councillor Randy Jacob, Webequie First Nation. “Through the assistance provided by the NOHFC, Webequie First Nation is able to proceed with the development of our long-awaited cultural recreation centre. The proposed project will provide the community with a safe, modern and culturally significant place for sports, traditional gatherings, entertainment and more for our community members.”

“Webequie First Nation is leading the charge on community development, and our government is proud to partner with and support their leadership,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “The cultural recreation centre will be a gathering space for community well-being and connection – a milestone infrastructure project for future generations.”

The Ontario government is committed to prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that will 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 $983 million in 7,951 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.9 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,350 jobs

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.