Funding will support renovations to vital community hub

MORLEY — The Ontario government is providing $166,140 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the Township of Morley for upgrades to the Stratton Recreation Centre. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help municipalities advance economic development and improve important community infrastructure for residents and visitors to use and enjoy.

“Our government’s NOHFC investment is helping to update and modernize Stratton Recreation Centre,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “With our support, the Township of Morley is creating an inviting and accessible community space.”

The township is using NOHFC funding to replace the Stratton Recreation Centre’s deck and staircase. The project also includes landscaping and installing accessible doors and a sidewalk. Once complete, the centre, which serves as a social gathering space, curling facility and emergency evacuation site, will be a modern, safe and welcoming community hub with an expanded outdoor area.

“The Stratton Recreation Centre continues to serve as a heartbeat within our community,” said Telford Advent, Reeve, Township of Morely. “This funding provided through the NOHFC is addressing critical infrastructure upgrades to ensure that the recreation centre can continue serving the community for generations to come.”

“We are very grateful for the support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River. “This funding has allowed the township to enhance its recreation centre with a new deck and other facility upgrades that will serve residents for years to come. This investment supports community wellness and creates a welcoming space for people of all ages – an outcome we would not have been able to achieve without NOHFC support.”

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 8000 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,500 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.