Provincial funding will revitalize community arena to attract more sporting events and help residents stay active

April 23, 2026

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help restore the City of Thunder Bay’s Delaney Arena. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is making strategic investments to help northern communities build and upgrade local infrastructure to foster community engagement, support local access to sports and recreation and boost sport tourism opportunities.

“Our government is building strong, vibrant northern communities by funding projects that protect and revamp local infrastructure,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “With the province’s support, Thunder Bay can provide a safe and accessible space for residents to gather and participate in sports, helping to enhance quality of life in the community.”

The City of Thunder Bay is using NOHFC funding to complete much-needed repairs to Delaney Arena. This revitalization project includes replacing the rink slab, ice plant, dasher boards, scoreboard, spectator seating, heating units and floors. Following the renovations, the facility will be able to welcome more people, accommodate larger sporting events and avoid future temporary closures, as well as improve visitor safety, accessibility and energy efficiency.

“I’m pleased to see this investment supporting upgrades to Delaney Arena, an important gathering place for families, athletes, students and hockey teams in Thunder Bay,” said Kevin Holland, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “This investment will help keep the facility safe, accessible and welcoming for years to come, while continuing to support local recreation. By strengthening community infrastructure like this, we are improving spaces that people rely on and enjoy every day.”

“In Thunder Bay, hockey is part of who we are, and the Delaney Arena is where so many of those journeys begin,” said Mayor Ken Boshcoff, City of Thunder Bay. “We are grateful for this investment through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, which recognizes the vital role this facility plays in our community. From first steps on the ice to a wide range of ice sports and tournaments, Delaney has brought people together for generations. These upgrades will help keep it safe, accessible and welcoming for years to come for residents and visitors alike.”

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 over 8,000 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,500 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.