Funding will help the city build modern, welcoming centre where residents can stay active and healthy

October 31, 2025

NORTH BAY — The Ontario government is investing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the City of North Bay build a new community and recreation centre. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to build stronger, healthier and more self-reliant northern communities by revitalizing local infrastructure, increasing local tourism and helping residents stay active and connected.

“Improving access to sports and recreation is one of the many actions our government is taking to promote well-being and build prosperous, self-reliant northern communities,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “North Bay’s new community and sports hub is an important infrastructure project that, once complete, will foster connection, help people stay active and contribute to a more sustainable Northern Ontario.”

The North Bay Community and Recreation Centre will have two ice rinks with spectator capacity for 250 people, 14 dressing rooms, an indoor track and outdoor walking paths. The accessible and carbon-neutral building will also feature a specially designed ceiling that helps reduce the amount of heat reflecting onto the ice surface. Along with advanced insulation and heat pumps, this contributes to better energy efficiency. The centre will be able to accommodate sports tournaments, trades shows, conferences, small gatherings and other events. With a larger sports facility, residents can access recreational activities more easily and the city will welcome more visitors, helping to boost its hospitality and tourism sectors.

“The Ontario government is pleased to support the City of North Bay’s community and recreation centre with an investment of $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation,” said Vic Fedeli, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing. “Our area has needed to expand our arena inventory, and this facility will allow for more opportunities for children and families while providing the opportunity for local sports organizations to host more tournaments, creating economic spinoffs for our community.”

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 $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.