Funding for tile drainage will help farmers improve the quality of their lands, boost crop yields and increase revenues
April 7, 2026
NORTHEASTERN ONTARIO — The Ontario government is investing $1.42 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support three tile drainage installation projects that will enhance over 2,300 acres of agricultural land across the northeast. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help farmers improve their operations, unlock the full potential of growing seasons and create more good-paying jobs in the agriculture sector in the north.
“With every tile drainage investment in northern Ontario, our government is strengthening our growing agriculture sector,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This provincial funding provides northern farmers with the means to increase their yields, helping increase the availability of locally grown food and boost the economy.”
Tile drainage systems are installed below the surface of cropland to remove excess water from soil and improve its quality. Made of corrugated plastic tubes and concrete drain tiles, this is an effective way to enhance the efficiency and value of farmland, leading to longer growing seasons, greater crop production and increased revenue. It also protects equipment and reduces soil erosion.
As part of this investment, the NOHFC is providing funding to the following agriculture organizations:
- West Nipissing East Sudbury Agricultural Support Projects Inc. is receiving $570,000 to help 11 producers tile approximately 950 acres across the Nipissing, Sudbury and Parry Sound regions.
- Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre is receiving $495,600 to help nine producers tile approximately 826 acres in the Algoma – Manitoulin area.
- LaCloche Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation is receiving $357,600 to help 10 producers tile approximately 560 acres in the LaCloche – Manitoulin region.
“These investments will support key projects that will help protect the production of food grown right here at home,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Our government is proud to support tile drainage projects that boost crop productivity for farmers across northern Ontario, improve arable land and build a stronger, more self-reliant agriculture sector.”
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
- Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $27 million in 37 tile drainage projects in northern Ontario, enhancing 50,690 acres of land and creating or sustaining over 75 jobs.
- 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.
Quotes
“The tile drainage funding received from the NOHFC has generated a substantial economic impact for 10 local producers across the LaCloche – Manitoulin region. This support enabled the installation of tile drainage on 560.2 acres of farmland on Manitoulin Island, significantly increasing production capacity and crop yields for participating producers. In addition, the project has enhanced long-term soil health and improved the overall productivity of this prime agricultural land.”
– Carolyn Campbell, Executive Director, LaCloche Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation
“The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) is committed to fostering innovation and growth in Algoma’s agri-food sector. Strengthening resilience and productivity across northern Ontario depends on strategic investments like tile drainage. The Regional Tile Drainage Program is supporting increased yields, improved land utilization and long-term sustainability and is essential to the region’s continued growth and stability.”
– Cathy Bouchard, Manager, RAIN Programs – Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
“Investing in tile drainage is an investment in the long-term sustainability and productivity of our agricultural sector. By supporting farmers with this funding, we’re helping improve soil health, manage water more effectively and strengthen the resilience of our rural communities. This funding from the NOHFC will help producers remain competitive, ensure food security, as well as continue feeding Ontario for generations to come.”
– Bill Rosenberg, MPP Algoma – Manitoulin
“The OFA welcomes the province’s $1.42 million investment to expand tile drainage in northeastern Ontario, which is positive news for farmers across the region. Proper tile drainage is essential for getting on the land sooner, protecting crops in wet seasons and making every acre work more efficiently and effectively. For northern farmers facing shorter growing seasons, this support helps improve yields, safeguard soil and strengthen the long‑term viability of farm businesses. It also delivers benefits that extend beyond the farm gate, supporting local businesses and reinforcing agriculture as a key economic driver in northern Ontario.”
– Bill Groenheide, Northern Ontario Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA)
“Targeted investments like this demonstrate how strategic infrastructure can support farmer success while advancing broader sector goals. Continued collaboration will be key to ensuring northern Ontario agriculture reaches its full potential.”
– Paul Hoekstra, Vice President, Strategic Development, Grain Farmers of Ontario
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.
- Not-for-profit, agricultural or community organizations apply to the NOHFC’s Regional Tile Drainage Program on behalf of an identified consortium of producers. For more information, visit the NOHFC website.
| Media Contact
Bronwyn Gould, Minister’s Office Media Relations, Communications Branch |
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