Provincial funding will improve event space to support local events and boost tourism

May 20, 2026

EMO — The Ontario government is investing $200,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to enable the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society to conduct safety upgrades at its fairgrounds. This funding delivers on the province’s plan to protect Ontario by helping northern communities enhance community spaces that support the local economy and provide residents and visitors access to fun, safe activities.

“Events connect residents, attract visitors and bring in important revenue, making them a key part of any community,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Our government is building a stronger northern Ontario, and this investment will help the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society keep people safe while they enjoy the great fairgrounds in Emo.”

The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society owns fairgrounds in Emo, which are used for the community’s annual agricultural fair and stock car races. With the NOHFC’s support, the organization can upgrade the part of its fairgrounds used for races, including adding railings to the stands and removing overhead power lines and putting new ones underground, which will allow farm equipment to move safely around the property. Additionally, a new snack booth will be built, which is a vital source of revenue. As a result of this project, the fairgrounds can continue to host enjoyable events, encouraging tourism and fostering community engagement.

“The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society would like to thank Ontario for the NOHFC funding we have received,” said Sherri Hay, President of the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society. “The first thing this funding has allowed us to do is put handrails in the grandstands, which has already been completed. The second thing we will be doing is replacing the Borderland Racing concession booth, which will begin within the next couple of weeks. Lastly, we will soon take the hydro underground and remove many of the hydro poles throughout the grounds. Our board of directors is extremely appreciative of Ontario’s support in our continued improvements to the Emo fairgrounds.”

“The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society has been a driving force in bringing communities together, hosting the Emo Fair, an annual staple in the Rainy River District,” said Greg Rickford, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River. “Leveraging the NOHFC, we are making targeted investments to ensure that the Emo fairgrounds remain top rated and the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society can continue serving our district for decades to come.”

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.