Funding will support six new and upgraded playgrounds to provide safe, welcoming outdoor spaces for families to enjoy

July 15, 2026

MCDOUGALL — The Ontario government is investing $450,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Municipality of McDougall build a new playground and update five others. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making investments to help northern municipalities build and revitalize recreational infrastructure and provide residents and visitors with safe, welcoming spaces to enjoy.

“Our government is pleased to support this project, which will deliver new, accessible playgrounds for residents and visitors to enjoy,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “By investing in modern recreational spaces, we’re helping communities stay active and ensure northern Ontario remains a great place to live, work and raise a family”

The Municipality of McDougall is using NOHFC funding to install a new playground at Nine Mile Lake Beach and upgrade five others across the community — including Beaver Trail, Bell Lake, Taylor Beach, Meadowcrest Portage Lake and Nobel Beach parks — through site preparation, improved surfacing and new play and fitness equipment. Once complete, the playgrounds will be inclusive and accessible for all, encouraging a healthier and more dynamic community.

“Thanks to this partnership between the Province of Ontario and the Municipality of McDougall, we are able to upgrade six locations with new, safer and more challenging playground equipment throughout the municipality,” said Dale Robinson, Mayor, Municipality of McDougall. “NOHFC is a valuable and integral source of funding for smaller northern Ontario communities like ours to attract development and families.”

“Our government is proud to support municipalities that are making their communities better for their residents,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “This funding will help McDougall upgrade its parks with new equipment and create a brand-new play area for residents to enjoy. Upgrading infrastructure like this adds to the quality of life for residents and visitors to the region. I’m thankful to see the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation supporting this project.”

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.