Funding will support three festivals in the North Bay area, supporting good-paying jobs while promoting local culture, music and arts

July 31, 2026

NORTH BAY — The Ontario government is investing $45,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help three cultural organizations host festivals in North Bay and Sturgeon Falls. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this investment will help attract tourists and residents, support good-paying jobs and promote local economic growth.

“This investment will help bring tourists to the City of North Bay and the surrounding area at a time when so many families are looking for local experiences,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Events like these will increase tourism and showcase local musicians, artists, businesses and cultures all while supporting the local economy.”

The NOHFC is providing funding for the following projects:

• $15,000 for the Nipissing Region Curatorial Collective, a volunteer-led not-for-profit that works with musicians, artists, collectives and cultural organizations in the Nipissing region, to host the BayBeats Music Festival in downtown North Bay over two weekends in September 2026. The annual festival celebrates music, culture and community through live performances, arts programming, workshops, local food offerings, and opportunities for public participation.
• $15,000 for the North Bay Theatre and Arts Community Centre, (operating as The Capitol Centre), a non-profit community theatre owned by the City of North Bay, to host The Bay Block Party, a free, family friendly community event held in downtown North Bay over two days in August 2026. The event will create a pedestrian oriented festival environment that highlights local culture, businesses and creative talent.
• $15,000 for Les Compagnons des Francs Loisirs, a francophone, community-based organization that leads and organizes cultural and community events in and around the City of North Bay, to host La St‑Jean, a multi-day cultural festival showcasing francophone culture and traditions.

“Investments through NOHFC’s Community Events Program to support our local festivals, such as the Saint-Jean Baptiste, Bay Block Party and North Bay Beats Music, help organizations increase event visibility and promote economic growth in Nipissing,” said Vic Fedeli, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing. “These annual public events have become a highlight for local families and attract tourists to the region. They provide job opportunities in the tourism sector and we hope they continue to grow in popularity.”

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 over 8,600 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,400 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.