Provincial funding will bring new recreational facility to the community, creating good-paying local jobs and more opportunities for sports tourism

May 19, 2026

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the City of Thunder Bay build the Tbaytel Multiplex, a state-of-the-art indoor turf facility. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help northern municipalities build and revitalize important community infrastructure to create good-paying local jobs, promote active living and strengthen local economies.

“Having access to modern and accessible recreational amenities is essential to building healthy, prosperous communities,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Thunder Bay’s new sport facility will become an integral part of the city and help residents of all ages create new memories while staying active.”

The City of Thunder Bay is using NOHFC funding to support the 120,000-square-foot recreational facility that will have FIFA-standard turf installed with automatic dividers able to split the field into halves and quarters. Constructed using made-in-Canada steel, the Tbaytel Multiplex will be open throughout the year and include 500 seats for spectators, eight changerooms for players, two referee changerooms and a multi-purpose room. Once complete, the sports hub will create accessible recreation opportunities and give athletes a place to practice, compete and grow. The project will also help create good-paying jobs and empower the city to host more sporting events, boosting tourism and driving economic opportunities.

“This $2 million investment is going towards more than just sport — it strengthens our community, supports local programming and enhances Thunder Bay’s ability to host events and attract visitors,” said Ken Boshcoff, Mayor of the City of Thunder Bay. “With the NOHFC’s support, we are building the only indoor turf facility in the region where families and athletes can come together at the Tbaytel Multiplex regardless of the season and be a part of something truly inspiring.”

“Sports and recreation have always played an important role in communities across northwestern Ontario, bringing people together and giving youth opportunities to stay active, build confidence and make lasting connections,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan.

“Our government is delivering on our plan to protect Ontario by making historic local investments that strengthen our communities today and for the future,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “The Tbaytel Multiplex will create year-round opportunities for athletes and residents to stay active, while giving Thunder Bay the facilities it needs to host more major sporting events and drive economic growth across the region.”

The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC 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 investment of an additional $30 million over 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 $1 billion in more than 8,400 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,000 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.