October 14, 2026
Provincial funding supports nine projects that will strengthen community infrastructure and help businesses grow
GORE BAY — The Ontario government is investing $2,031,961 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support nine projects in Gore Bay, Spring Bay and the surrounding region. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help communities improve local infrastructure across the North and ensure organizations in key sectors can continue to expand operations, stay competitive and create good-paying jobs.
“Northern Ontario’s communities are at the heart of the province’s success and our government is investing in projects that help them prosper,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This NOHFC funding will deliver meaningful benefits to Gore Bay and surrounding communities by supporting the local agriculture sector, improving community infrastructure and creating more opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy everything the region has to offer.”
As part of this investment, the following projects are receiving NOHFC funding:
- Sharpe Farm Supplies Ltd., a farm supply store that services Manitoulin Island and the surrounding area, is receiving $400,000 to build a warehouse equipped with three-phase power, a grain cleaning system and overhead storage bins and to purchase harvesting equipment, including a sprayer, fertilizer spreader and fertilizer tender truck, enabling the expansion of its operations.
- M’Chigeeng First Nation is receiving $396,452 to replace and upgrade its aging public dock system to address safety concerns and deteriorating infrastructure at its marina and boat launch area and received $195,300 to modernize the kitchen at the M’Chigeeng Community Complex by upgrading cupboards, flooring and appliances, enhancing health, safety and accessibility standards.
- The Providence Bay Agricultural Society, a non-profit organization that supports and promotes agricultural initiatives, including the annual Providence Bay Fair, is using $303,367 to extend hydro service to the campground to support further enhancements, and to replace an old stage with a larger modern outdoor stage and concert venue featuring green rooms and storage space by redeveloping a former motorcross track area, improving the visitor experience.
- The Gore Bay Curling Club, a three-sheet curling club, is using $224,458 to replace its aging ice-making plant, which relies on obsolete freon coolant, helping ensure the club’s continued operation and avoid potential closure due to equipment failure.
- Martin Farms, a family farm that supports local food production by growing crops, raising cattle and supplying locally produced beef and produce to consumers and retailers, is using $180,850 to build new cattle barns and feed storage facilities and purchase equipment, supporting expanded beef production, improved feed storage efficiency and access to more customers across Ontario.
- The Town of Gore Bay received $168,710 to renovate the Gore Bay Memorial Arena through foundation, roof and exterior walls repairs, helping preserve its role as a vital hub for sports, recreation, social and community activities in Western Manitoulin.
- Grandview Farms, a beef farm in Gore Bay that raises cattle and grows feed crops, is using $98,022 to build a new multi-purpose barn and buy equipment for hay production, manure management and cattle handling, enabling the farm to expand cattle production and make more efficient use of available farmland and resources.
- Orford Mechanical, a company based in Spring Bay on Manitoulin Island, is using $64,802 to build a new workshop to expand its operational capacity and provide local farmers and truck operators with on-island repair services for their large, heavy-duty equipment.
“Our government is protecting jobs and strengthening communities across Algoma—Manitoulin through investments that support local businesses, agriculture and critical community infrastructure,” said Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma—Manitoulin. “From helping farms and businesses expand operations to upgrading community spaces that residents rely on, these projects will create new opportunities, support local economic growth and help keep our communities strong for years to come.”
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 increased investment, 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 approved more than $1.1 billion for 9,000-plus projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment, creating over 11,580 new jobs and sustaining over 2,345 jobs.
Quotes
“The funding we received from the NOHFC is very appreciated to support our agriculture business at Spring Bay on Manitoulin Island. Investing in long term capital infrastructure is critical to support the long supply chain on Manitoulin Island due to its distance from the markets in southern Ontario for where both inputs come from and our products go to the end user. The NOHFC support allowed us to make these long-term investments quicker to support the local growers and producers on the island” – Paul Sharpe, General Manager, Sharpe Farm Supplies
“M’Chigeeng First Nation is pleased to receive funding support through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for two important community infrastructure projects. The retrofit of the Community Complex Kitchen will address long-overdue repairs to a facility that hosts community gatherings, programs and events, while also serving as our designated Emergency Shelter. The replacement and rehabilitation of the Main Community Dock will restore safety, improve accessibility and revitalize a waterfront asset that has served our community for more than 60 years. We sincerely thank the NOHFC for its investment in these projects, which will strengthen community infrastructure, improve public safety and support the well-being of current and future generations.” – Ryan Corbiere, Capital Projects/Public Works Manager for M’Chigeeng First Nation.
“The Providence Bay Agricultural Society gratefully received funding from the NOHFC. With this funding we were able to see the completion of a new fully equipped stage and grounds to host outstanding artists for the past three years at the Lone Pine Stage as part of the Providence Bay Fair. This facility has benefited the Providence Bay Agricultural Society and is also used annually by the Blue Grass in the Country group. This event brings additional artists to the community and raises significant funds to support the Special Olympics athletes. Thank you for this opportunity to strengthen local events and support community organizations.” – Allison Orford, Providence Bay Agricultural Society
“The members of the Gore Bay Curling Club are grateful for the support provided by the NOHFC to improve our facility. Thanks to this funding, our club will continue to provide a welcoming place for curling, recreation and community connection for years to come.” – Jeff Hietkamp, Member and Volunteer at the Gore Bay Curling Club
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
Media ContactSam McCormick Media Relations |
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