FORT FRANCES — The Ontario government has provided $156,000 to the Town of Fort Frances for upgrades to the local arena’s brine system, which is essential for ice-making.  This investment is helping to promote healthy and engaged communities in Northwestern Ontario.

“It’s a momentous day for Fort Frances and families across the Northwest as we celebrate the revitalized ice making system and controls at the historic 52 Canadians Arena,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora—Rainy River. “For 73 years, this rink has been the heart of our community, bringing together neighbours, teams, and many talents. This investment is exactly what the NOHFC is for — ensuring towns like Fort Frances have the timely support they need to stay resilient and ready for every season ahead.”

“Our government continues to make investments in public infrastructure that will ensure residents and visitors alike can enjoy our communities,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Fort Frances has a rich hockey history and the 52 Canadians Arena is not only an integral part of the continued enjoyment of this locally beloved sport, it also serves as a hub for various other community and sporting events, increasing the quality of life of residents and bringing opportunities to the area.”

Funding delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) allowed the community to replace a faulty brine pump and associated wiring in the 52 Canadians Arena, as well as install a new control cabinet to comply with safety code requirements. These improvements have enhanced the facility’s efficiency at making ice, allowing for an extended ice season, and helped ensure a safer working environment for staff.

“Fort Frances is a hockey town. When our ice plant compressor unexpectedly failed, threatening our ability to have ice in our 52 Canadians Arena, Minister Rickford and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund came through for us,” said Andrew Hallikas, Mayor of Fort Frances. “The grant we received from the NOHFC allowed us to repair the compressor and controller, thus allowing us to put ice in the arena and move forward with a busy hockey schedule. We are very grateful to both Minister Rickford and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund for this grant and for saving our hockey season.”

Announced in June 2025, the Ontario government is refocusing the NOHFC to prioritize investments 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 driving prosperity, boosting competitiveness, securing new opportunities and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s recently announced investment of an additional $30 million over the next 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 $905 million in 7,309 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,210 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.