New facility will help more kids and their families access supports and programs

October 25, 2025

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing $285,358 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay build a new facility to host programming centered around supporting families. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments that focus on building stronger and healthier communities by revitalizing and building important community infrastructure and enhancing access to support systems in Northern Ontario.

“Organizations like Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay are essential in bolstering important health and well-being services in communities across Northern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Our investment in this new community hub will help more families and community members in Thunder Bay get access to much needed services in a modern space that will better serve their needs for years to come.”

Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay is using NOHFC funding to revitalize a newly acquired facility to scale up its programs. The space will house walk-in counselling services, an accessible emergency food cupboard and host the operations of its Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Other community organizations will also be able to utilize the facility for delivery of their programs.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for this generous investment in Our Kids Count,” said Jackie Knough, Executive Director, Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay. “This support brings us one step closer to creating a new community space where more families in Thunder Bay can access the tools, resources and programs they need to thrive. Many families in our city continue to face challenges with food security, and this new space will provide opportunities to learn new skills, build connections and strengthen their ability to support their families. We’re excited about the positive impact this will have on our community for years to come.”

“Our government’s NOHFC and Ontario Trillium Foundation investments in Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay are investments in the future of our community,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan. “By supporting the creation of this new family-centered hub, we are helping ensure that local families, children and youth have access to the essential programs and supports they need to thrive. I want to sincerely thank the dedicated team at Our Kids Count for their ongoing commitment to improving lives and strengthening our community.”

Announced in June 2025, the Ontario government is refocusing the NOHFC to prioritize investments 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 recently announced investment of an additional $30 million over the next 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 $983 million in 7,951 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.9 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,350 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.