September 12, 2025

Investment will ensure trails remain safe and enjoyable for riders across Northern Ontario

TIMMINS — The Ontario government is investing $429,378 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) improve snowmobile trails throughout Northern Ontario. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding is building stronger, healthier and self-reliant communities by enhancing recreational infrastructure that will help boost economic growth, attract more visitors and help people enjoy the outdoors.

“With thousands of kilometres of trails in Northern Ontario, snowmobiling is a beloved pastime and a great way to experience the vast natural landscapes of the North,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “With our government’s NOHFC funding, we are supporting healthy and vibrant communities throughout the North by increasing tourism, strengthening local economies and ensuring Ontario’s trails remain safe and enjoyable.”

The NOHFC is funding the following nine projects that will improve trail connectivity across Northern Ontario, extend the useful lifespan of the trails and increase safety for snowmobile riders:

• Warren trail reroute on Trail WN402
• Pickerel River bridge redecking on Top C Trail
• Huron Shores bridge replacement on Trail D134
• Gauthier Creek bridge replacement on TOP A trail
• Bradley Bay bridge replacement on TOP A trail
• Burk’s Falls culvert installation on Trail AL301
• Espanola culvert installation on TOP D Trail
• Wawa trail rehabilitation on TOP D Trail
• Foleyet trail rehabilitation on Trail C101D

Since 2018, the NOHFC has approved more than $86 million in funding to the tourism sector, including approximately $14 million in 2024-25. Investing in the extensive snowmobile trails available to residents and visitors across the region is just one example of how the NOHFC is supporting the North. By working with northern partners, like the OFSC, the NOHFC will continue to invest in the tourism sector and help make the beauty of the North open to everyone.

“The government’s continued support of snowmobile trail infrastructure is an investment in tourism, recreation and safety, all of which help create strong winter economies in Northern Ontario,” said Ryan Eickmeier, CEO, Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. “These critical and timely investments will enable our volunteers to deliver world-class snowmobiling experiences to locals and visitors alike this upcoming winter.”

Announced in June 2025, the Ontario government is refocusing the NOHFC to prioritize investments 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

• OFSC snowmobile trail projects include installing new culverts, repairing trail bridges and rerouting existing trails that will better connect communities.
• 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 $939 million in 7,563 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,900 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.