Upgraded centre will be a community hub for residents to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle

December 8, 2025

MATTAWA — The Ontario government is investing $415,773 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Town of Mattawa upgrade its fitness centre, creating a more efficient and well-equipped space to improve user experience. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to build stronger, healthier and more self-reliant northern communities by revitalizing local infrastructure, increasing local tourism and helping residents stay active and connected.

“Our government is proud to support the Town of Mattawa as it renovates its fitness centre to better serve the community for years to come,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “With investment from the province, the upgraded facility will provide Mattawa residents and those in neighbouring communities with a more contemporary space to lead an active lifestyle and prioritize wellness, no matter the season.”

The Town of Mattawa is using NOHFC funding to replace equipment with modern, high-quality machines, upgrade the gym floor, install a new furnace to ensure a comfortable environment year-round, waterproof the exterior walls and upgrade the change rooms to improve accessibility. The renovations will also benefit the Voyageur Curling Club, located in the same building, allowing for more efficient ice making and creating a more accessible space, providing area residents with a quality recreational fitness centre/curling club.

“The Voyageur Curling Club and Fitness Centre have had no significant investments in several years,” said Raymond Bélanger, Mayor of the Town of Mattawa. “This funding will provide state-of-the-art equipment for the fitness centre. The investment for the curling club will allow for more efficient ice making and maintenance and will make the facility a fully accessible curling rink for all to enjoy.”

“Today’s $415,000 investment in the Mattawa Fitness Centre will create a more efficient and well-equipped space for residents to stay active and healthy by improving the facility for all users,” said Vic Fedeli, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing. “Our government is proud to support Ontario’s Northern municipalities with funding to extend the lifespan of existing recreational and wellness facilities while improving accessibility features.”

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 recently announced investment of an additional $30 million over the next 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 $983 million in 7,951 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.9 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,350 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.