Funding will upgrade community trail networks and strengthen local tourism
June 25, 2026
SAULT STE. MARIE — The Ontario government is investing $900,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support Tourism Sault Ste. Marie’s Hiawatha Highlands Connector and Wishart Park Enhancement project. The investment will add new amenities, improve connectivity and expand access to outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help northern communities build and revitalize infrastructure to strengthen local tourism opportunities and provide safe, accessible outdoor spaces for all to enjoy.
“Our government is proud to support local projects that enhance opportunities for recreation and tourism here in Sault Ste. Marie, and across northern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Now more than ever, we are showcasing the natural beauty of the North, such as the Hiawatha Highlands and Wishart Park, that help boost local economies through tourism and promote the North as a four-season destination.”
Tourism Sault Ste. Marie (TSSM) is a not-for-profit organization that provides advice and guidance to the City of Sault Ste. Marie on the strategic development of its tourism sector. TSSM is using the funding to build a trail connection that will create a green space passage between Third and Fourth Line and link the urban Hub Trail to Wishart Park, Hiawatha Highlands, Kinsmen Park, Voyager Trail Network and the Algoma Trail Network.
The project will also deliver upgrades to Wishart Park, including new boardwalks, interpretive signage and recreational equipment, helping create engaging outdoor spaces that support recreation, learning and community connection for residents and visitors alike.
“This investment will help ensure the Hiawatha Highlands and Wishart Park have the modern infrastructure needed to improve visitor experience and continue welcoming locals and guests from near and far,” said Will Bouma, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “These upgrades will enhance recreational opportunities, strengthen tourism and support local businesses, while creating vibrant outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed for years to come.”
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.
- In 2023, visitor spending in northern Ontario is estimated to have supported 11,000 jobs based on $1.3 billion of domestic spending, contributing $900 million to Northern Ontario’s GDP.
- Over one-third of domestic tourist visits in northern Ontario included participation in an outdoor or sports activity in 2023.
Quotes
“Sault Ste. Marie’s natural landscape is one of our greatest assets and this investment will help residents and visitors enjoy it through expanded recreational opportunities. Tourism is also an important part of diversifying our local economy – in 2025 alone, tourist debit and credit card transactions in Sault Ste. Marie totalled $175 million – and projects like this will strengthen our appeal as a four-season destination while enhancing quality of life for the people who call our community home.”
– Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor, City of Sault Ste. Marie
“Provincial investment in Wishart Park and our trail network is helping create the kind of outdoor experiences that attract visitors, support local businesses and enhance quality of life for residents. This project strengthens Sault Ste. Marie’s reputation as Ontario’s premier trail destination while creating year-round opportunities for recreation, tourism and economic growth.”
- Travis Anderson, Director, Tourism & Community Development
“Congratulations to Tourism Sault Ste. Marie on receiving $900,000 in funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. This investment will provide significant benefits to the community by increasing visitation through trail ridership and event hosting, attracting new residents, retaining youth and generating economic opportunities for local businesses. By encouraging visitors to stay longer and return more often, the project will contribute to sustainable tourism growth and long-term economic development throughout the region. This is an exciting step forward for the community, its residents and the many businesses that will benefit from increased tourism and recreational activity.”
– Bill Rosenberg, MPP, Algoma-Manitoulin
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.
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