Provincial funding will support renovations to expand programming and enhance community engagement

May 26, 2026

NOËLVILLE — The Ontario government is investing $48,995 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Noëlville and District Rod and Gun Club make important improvements to its venue. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help northern communities build and revitalize important infrastructure to drive local tourism opportunities and provide safe, accessible spaces for residents and visitors to experience.

“The Noëlville and District Rod and Gun Club is a vital community not-for-profit that promotes conservation and responsible harvesting of northern Ontario’s fish and game through angling and hunting activities, bringing residents and visitors together,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “With our government’s support, the club can renovate its facility, create new rental opportunities and refresh a beloved outdoor recreation centre.”

Established in 1968 and located in the Municipality of French River, the Noëlville and District Rod and Gun Club is dedicated to advocating for wildlife conservation and providing educational opportunities. The community-oriented club hosts various events and fundraisers, such as fishing derbies, target competitions, firearm safety training, hunter education and fish fries, that attract upwards of 1,000 people annually.

The club is using funding from the NOHFC to build an outdoor pavilion with a concrete pad and metal roof. Funding will also be used for electrical and propane hook-ups connected to the main clubhouse, enabling food preparation and providing power at the pavilion. Once complete, the pavilion will be an accessible, modern and safe community recreational hub, allowing the club to expand current programs aimed at attracting younger members, and support a municipal asset with improved amenities and rental capabilities.

“The non-profit Noëlville and District Rod and Gun Club is very pleased to have the generous support of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to assist in completing capital improvements to an outdoor venue that will enhance and expand our current natural resource and interest based programs to our French River community,” said Mark Fryer, President, Noëlville and District Rod and Gun Club.

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 8,400 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,000 jobs.
• In 2023, visitor spending in Northern Ontario is estimated to have supported 11,000 jobs based on $1.3 billion of domestic spending, contributing $900 million to Northern Ontario’s GDP.
• Over one-third of domestic tourist visits in Northern Ontario included participation in an outdoor or sports activity in 2023.

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.