Funding will support renovations and upgrades to protect vital community hub

KEEWATIN — The Ontario government is providing $375,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the City of Kenora for structural improvements and renovations to the Keewatin Branch Library. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help municipalities improve important community infrastructure that residents and visitors rely on.

“Our government’s NOHFC investment is revitalizing the Keewatin Branch Library,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “With our support, the City of Kenora will once again provide important library services and programs for children, adults and seniors from this location.”

The City of Kenora is using NOHFC funding to refurbish and modernize the Keewatin Branch Library. The branch, which temporarily shut down in 2024, will reopen and resume services for residents and visitors in the area. The NOHFC-supported project includes replacing the roof and windows, repairing the brick facade, making accessibility upgrades, weatherproofing and insulating. Once complete, the library will be a safe, energy-efficient and welcoming community hub for learning, social connection and service delivery for people of all ages and capabilities.

“On behalf of Council and the City of Kenora, I express my sincere gratitude to the Honourable Greg Rickford and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for their contribution to make these upgrades to the Keewatin Branch Library possible,” said Andrew Poirier, Mayor of Kenora. “The Keewatin Branch Library has always been a welcoming hub for neighbours, seniors, students and families. We are excited to see the space open again and offering community and senior programming that supports lifelong learning and literacy. This renovation goes beyond upgrades, it strengthens a shared space where our community can grow, learn and connect.”

“The NOHFC’s partnership with the City of Kenora is ensuring that community assets like the Keewatin Branch Library are top-rate and continue to provide the programming and resources important to families and community members, today and well into the future,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River.

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 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 8,079 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 Officesand Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.