Funding will help ensure a successful tournament for athletes, residents and visitors

TIMMINS — The Ontario government is investing $15,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), and $6,000 through the Ministry of Sport’s Sport Hosting Program, to assist the McIntyre Curling Club in hosting the U18 National Curling Championship. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this investment will support local sport initiatives, promoting community engagement and boost tourism and economic activity in the area.

“Sporting events have a unique ability to bring communities together through a shared sense of excitement and pride,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Supporting the McIntyre Curling Club in hosting this national tournament in Timmins shows our government’s commitment to present Northern Ontario as a welcoming destination for visitors and a vibrant place to be.”

The McIntyre Curling Club is using NOHFC funding to support key event operations, including promotion, volunteer coordination and facility rentals. New initiatives, such as introductory youth curling workshops, onsite chiropractic and sports physiatrist services for athletes and expanded live‑streaming coverage to allow for nationwide viewing, will enhance the overall event experience.

Ontario’s Ministry of Sport is also providing $6,000 to the U18 National Curling Championship through the Sport Hosting Program, which contributes $3 million annually to support national and international amateur sport events. Since 2018, the program has invested more than $16.5 million to support over 240 events hosted in the province, generating over $225 million in economic activity across the Ontario.

“Sport tourism is a powerful economic driver and an important part of our government’s plan to protect Ontario’s economy,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “This investment will help deliver a high-calibre event, giving young curlers the chance to compete against the country’s best, while boosting the local economy and promoting the benefits of healthy, active living across Northern Ontario.”

The tournament, which runs from February 8 to 14, 2026, will welcome 42 teams and is expected to attract more than 1,500 people. The event will help support local tourism sectors and strengthen Timmins’ community pride through national exposure.

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 nearly 8,100 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,500 jobs.

Quotes

“We are extremely grateful for the support received from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. This support has made a meaningful difference in our ability to host the U18 Curling Championships and will help our club deliver a high‑quality event while welcoming athletes, families and visitors from across Canada. Beyond the competition on the ice, the championship will generate positive economic activity for local businesses and will create a strong sense of pride and excitement throughout our community. This event will also expand our youth engagement opportunities and further showcase the McIntyre Curling Club as a premier venue for national competition.”

– Stephen Meunier, 2026 U18 Championship Chair and Club President

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.