THUNDER BAY – The Ontario government is providing $447,750 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology in Thunder Bay to revitalize its main lecture theatre. This investment will help recruit and retain more students and stimulate the local economy.

“Our government is hard at work making targeted investments, which support economic development and growth right here in Thunder Bay,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay—Atikokan. “This investment in the Confederation College Dibaajimogamig Lecture Theatre will ensure that generations to come have a place to grow, learn and realize their potential.”

Confederation College will use the NOHFC funding for infrastructure upgrades to Dibaajimogamig – the main lecture and performance hall on campus – including making it compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA); upgrading audio and visual equipment, which will support distance learning; creating a ‘smart classroom;’ and installing new seating. The project will feature a new inclusive design by Indigenous artists, reflecting the natural environment and Indigenous heritage of the region.

“Confederation College is incredibly appreciative of the Ontario government and NOHFC’s investment to support higher education in Thunder Bay,” said Confederation College president Kathleen Lynch. “Dibaajimogamig is truly a one-of-a-kind, modern and multifunctional learning space.”

“Our government is proud to support Confederation College as it enhances its ability to carry out learning in a modern, more technologically advanced environment,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “NOHFC funding is helping reduce barriers for distance learning and create a state-of-the-art learning facility for students in the region and beyond.”

“The support Ontario is providing will ensure students at Confederation College have access to modern and accessible learning tools and equipment so they can develop the skills needed to participate in the province’s economic future,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “This investment will allow the college to continue to deliver high-quality postsecondary education to students in an environment that also reflects important elements of Indigenous heritage.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $608 million in 5,070 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.93 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 8,100 jobs.

Quick Facts

• The Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology has operated since 1967 and has a significant economic impact on the City of Thunder Bay and the region, with an estimated $707.3 million direct impact on the local economy.

• In 2021, the Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the north.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.

• The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office — 416-450-1309 — erika.robson@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch — mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca