New outdoor venues will provide residents with cultural and recreational opportunities

ANIMAKEE WA ZHING #37 — The Ontario government is investing $360,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation fund two projects that will provide the community with outdoor venues to congregate, share food and transfer traditional knowledge, language and culture. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help build a stronger and more self-reliant community by enhancing recreational infrastructure and improving quality of life.

“Our government is proud to support community hubs in the North that are important spaces to help residents to come together and invest in their own health and wellbeing,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “The new outdoor recreation space in Animakee Wa Zhing #37 will improve health, wellness and connectivity among community members, making the community an even more attractive place to live and work.”

Animakee Wa Zhing #37, also known as Northwest Angle #37, will use $180,000 of NOHFC funding to rehabilitate the community outdoor rink that has fallen into disrepair. Project highlights include engineering designs for the new rink, ground structure and roof, landscaping, new siding and roofing, light installation and upgrading the walkway from the parking area. The rehabilitation of the rink will expand its usefulness from just a hockey rink in the winter, to a year-round venue that can be used for various community recreational activities and cultural gatherings.

Additionally, $180,000 of NOHFC funding will be used to build a covered BBQ and picnic area for public use and will go toward excavation and site preparation, the pouring of a concrete slab, construction of a covered pavilion and the purchase and installation of a community BBQ and tables. Once complete, this project will become a free, accessible gathering space available to all community members.

“Animakee Wa Zhing is in need of dedicated spaces for recreation and community gathering. We have been working on a vision to address child and family wellbeing in both of our communities, and the funding provided by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund will significantly improve the quality of life for our residents at Regina Bay,” said Chief Linda McVicar. “Specifically, the addition of an outdoor barbeque area will support community gatherings, while enhancements to our outdoor rink facilities will address critical recreation needs. This support aligns perfectly with our broader vision for community wellbeing.”

“The NOHFC’s partnership with Animakee Wa Zhing First Nation is supporting the community vision of improved quality of life and well-being,” said MPP for Kenora -Rainy River, Greg Rickford. “Through this funding, we are taking our cue from First Nation leadership to ensure that dedicated gathering and recreational spaces are available to children, families, and all community members.”

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 as well as 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.

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.