Funding will establish new hydroponic farm in Chapleau, strengthening local food security

June 23, 2026

CHAPLEAU — The Ontario government is investing $150,461 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help Brunswick House First Nation buy and install a modular hydroponic farm. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is strengthening food security in the North by supporting access to healthy, affordable food options.

“Our government recognizes the importance of homegrown food initiatives in Indigenous communities,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “The Brunswick House First Nation’s greenhouse project will bring many benefits to the community, including readily available produce, agriculture and food-related education programs, and control over what is grown.”

Brunswick House First Nation is using NOHFC funding to set up a modular vertical hydroponic farm, which uses water instead of soil to grow plants. The farm will have around 2,600 planting slots and can withstand bad weather, ensuring year-round access to a variety of low-cost, quality fruits and vegetables that stay fresh longer. The facility will also be able to host sustainable agriculture courses, cooking classes and a farmers’ market. By improving access to healthy, affordable food, this project will strengthen food security and reduce travel-related costs for food production while supporting local job creation and investment.

“On behalf of Brunswick House First Nation, we are grateful for the help and support of the NOHFC for our new greenhouse system here in the community,” said Chief Cheryl St. Denis, Brunswick House First Nation. “Food sovereignty is something that we should all be working towards and with the support of the NOHFC, we now have a new greenhouse grow system in place to help us with this very important initiative. Thank you for helping us make this project possible. Many families will benefit from the healthy choice and variety of fresh produce made from this new facility. Chi‑miigwetch!”

“Congratulations to Brunswick House First Nation on the community greenhouse project and the innovative modular hydroponic farm initiative,” said Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin. “Projects like this create more than fresh produce; they encourage skills development, sustainability, youth engagement and year-round food security in northern communities. Wishing continued success to everyone involved with this important project and supporting a healthier future for the community.”

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.

Quotes

“Recognizing how critical food sovereignty is, our government is proud to partner with Brunswick House First Nation to reduce food production costs while supporting local job creation. This investment is another tool to ensure that community members have increased year-round access to food security and self-sufficient food ecosystems.”

– Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships

“Ontario farmers and agri-food businesses produce some of the safest, highest-quality food in the world, and our government is proud to support projects that help more communities share in that success. This investment will help the Brunswick House First Nation strengthen local food security and food independence through a new modular hydroponic farm that will provide fresh, healthy food year-round. By supporting innovative, community-led solutions like this, we are helping build a stronger, more resilient agri-food sector across Ontario.”

– Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness 

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.

Renseignements pour les médias

Sam McCormick
Bureau du ministre
Sam.McCormick@ontario.ca
Relations avec les médias
ministre du Développement et de la croissance économique du Nord
mediadesk.MNEDG@ontario.ca