Upgrades will improve the facility’s amenities, increase accessibility and support the health and well-being of the community

November 18, 2025

SANDY LAKE — The Ontario government is investing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to renovate the local arena in Sandy Lake First Nation. 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.

“Our government is proud to make strategic investments in community infrastructure projects across Northern Ontario that create safe, accessible hubs to foster connection and help people stay active,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “The arena in Sandy Lake First Nation will improve access to sports and recreation, which brings people together across generations while also encouraging active lifestyles.”

The Sandy Lake First Nation arena renovation will include updates to the spectator areas, increased accessibility and upgrades to essential mechanical and electrical systems. There will also be critical repairs and improvements to both the interior and exterior of the arena to help maintain this important community space that supports the health and well-being of residents.

“Sandy Lake First Nation is happy to work with NOHFC to help upgrade our arena,” said Derek Monias, Capital Projects Assistant for Sandy Lake First Nation. “As a remote First Nation, our arena is a key community building, where we play hockey, broomball and skate throughout the winter, and play indoor hockey during the summer. When the arena is down for any period of time, we hear strongly from our youth how disruptive this is for their mental health and wellbeing. This important building is a key place for our over 600 young people, allowing them to stay active and safe, and this project will improve the reliability of the arena.”

“Our government understands that recreational spaces are more than just buildings — they’re cornerstones of communities, and we are proud to partner with Sandy Lake First Nation on their arena renovation,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “This investment is reflective of our ongoing commitment to advancing reconciliation by helping ensure that infrastructure is safe, modern and accessible for First Nation communities.”

The Ontario government is committed to 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 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.