New event space will host local agriculture exhibitions, festivals and community programs

April 29, 2026

DRYDEN — The Ontario government is investing $500,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Dryden and District Agricultural Society build a new facility for community and agricultural events. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and support economic development in the North, the province is making strategic investments to help northern communities build and revitalize important community infrastructure that will boost local economies and regional tourism.

“In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is building vibrant northern communities and helping growing sectors keep their momentum,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “The Dryden and District Agricultural Society plays an important role in the Northwest and its new event hub will bring people together and promote our agriculture sector.”

The Dryden and District Agricultural Society is a non-profit organization that will use NOHFC funding to build a barn, improving its operational efficiency and capacity to host youth programs, workshops, festivals and agricultural events, such as livestock exhibitions. The facility will also store equipment during winter. As a replacement for older buildings, this modern, safer space will attract more visitors to the area and help bring in the revenue needed to support continued operations.

“For over a century, the Dryden and District Agricultural Society has been a cornerstone of the community, showcasing the agricultural excellence of Dryden and the surrounding region,” said Greg Rickford, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora – Rainy River. “We are proud to support the construction of the new barn to increase capacity for events, boost local economies and solidify Dryden’s place as a prime destination for all things agrarian.”

“On behalf of the Dryden and District Agricultural Society we are thrilled to have the support of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation on this project,” said Lisa Koshel, President, Dryden and District Agricultural Society. “This funding will support us in achieving our goal of expanding our facility and turning Dryden into a destination for all types of agricultural events. We look forward to continuing to make an impact in the area through promoting local agriculture to our community and beyond.”

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 8,000 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 Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.