August 7, 2026

Upgrades will promote sport and recreation for residents and visitors

COCHENOUR — The Ontario government is investing $1,408,750 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Municipality of Red Lake renovate the Cochenour Arena. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to build stronger, healthier and more self-reliant northern communities by revitalizing local infrastructure, increasing local tourism and helping residents stay active and connected.

“Our government is proud to make investments in projects across northern Ontario that promote community development and create safe, accessible hubs,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Replacing Cochenour Arena’s ice surface will improve access to sports and recreation for residents and tourists in the Municipality of Red Lake, bringing people together across generations while also encouraging active lifestyles.”

The Municipality of Red Lake, which is made up of six small communities, Balmertown, Cochenour, Madsen, McKenzie Island, Red Lake and Starratt-Olsen, will use NOHFC funding to replace aging ice infrastructure at Cochenour Arena. Key activities include the demolition and removal of the existing ice pad, installation of new brine lines and refrigeration floor piping and the pouring and finishing of a new concrete ice pad. The project also includes the replacement of boards and glass to meet safety requirements for minor hockey and Junior A play.

The completed project will greatly improve ice quality, lower maintenance costs and extend the facility’s lifespan, ensuring the arena can continue to host hockey, figure skating, public skating and community recreation programs for many years. It will also support the community’s ability to host hockey tournaments and games, resulting in increased tourism revenue for the area.

“We have been looking for opportunities to improve our arena for the user groups in the municipality,” said Fred Mota, Mayor of Red Lake. “This funding will make a meaningful difference and help us enhance our facility. We sincerely thank Minister Pirie for his advocacy and support in helping secure this investment for the Municipality of Red Lake.”

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.