Funding will support renovations and upgrades to vital community hub

SIOUX NARROWS-NESTOR FALLS — The Ontario government is providing $375,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls for the redevelopment of Bass Lake Park. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help municipalities advance economic development and improve important community infrastructure for residents and visitors to use and enjoy.

“Our government’s NOHFC investment is helping to redevelop and modernize Bass Lake Park,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “With our support, Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls will create an inviting space for residents and visitors to gather and participate in social and physical activities in the great outdoors.”

The township is using NOHFC funding to revamp Bass Lake Park, enhancing functionality and increasing visits. The project includes landscaping, building new washrooms, upgrading playground equipment, repairing the picnic shelter and creating a connection to the mountain bike trail network. Once complete, the park will be a modern and welcoming community and tourism asset for social connection and healthy living.

“We’re really excited about the improvements coming to Bass Lake Park this summer. These improvements will enhance the facilities at the park and connect it directly to the Red Pine Trail network, creating a unique recreation space in Nestor Falls,” said Gale Black, Mayor, Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls. “We are very grateful to the NOHFC for its partnership and funding for this and many other projects in our community. Our community is moving forward in ways that would otherwise not have been possible without these investments.”

“Through the NOHFC, our government is ensuring that those throughout Sioux Narrows-Nestors Falls continue to have access to top-rate local infrastructure and community spaces,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River. “This investment is enhancing a space we all love here in Northwestern Ontario, enabling us to benefit from upgraded infrastructure, remain outdoors and enjoy the beauty of our region.”

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 economic development 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.