August 14, 2026
Provincial funding supports three projects that promote accessibility, healthy living and community engagement
RAINY RIVER — The Ontario government is investing $528,621 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support accessibility upgrades at community and recreation hubs in the Rainy River District. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is helping northern municipalities improve local infrastructure to increase accessibility and ensure residents and visitors have access to inclusive, welcoming facilities.
“Our government is continuing to work with northerners to enhance the region’s vibrant communities and ensure accessibility needs are being met,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Inclusive environments are vital for the province’s prosperity, and these investments will help renovate spaces that boost social and physical well-being.”
The NOHFC is providing funding for the following projects:
- The Township of Emo is receiving $198,000 to renovate the washrooms at its community hall so they are accessible, safe, functional and energy efficient.
- The Township of Alberton is receiving $177,959 to build a wheelchair ramp from the parking lot to the ice rink and bathrooms at its outdoor recreation park, as well as buy and install more games at the playground.
- The Curl Fort Frances Community Centre is receiving $152,662 to make its washrooms accessible, which will ensure the club can welcome people of all abilities and host more events, such as wheelchair curling.
“These projects are about enhancing the quality of life for community members and ensuring that the Millennium Park, Emo-LaVallee Community Centre Hall and Curl Fort Frances Community Centre remain accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River. “Through the NOHFC, we continue to partner with municipalities and make the targeted investments needed to strengthen the community assets that matter the most to those in northwestern Ontario.”
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
“The Township of Emo would like to thank the Ontario government and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for their Community Enhancement Program, which is providing the opportunity for the Township of Emo Council and the Emo-LaVallee Community Centre Board to ensure the continued upkeep and upgrading of the Emo-LaVallee Community Centre Hall. The upgrading of the bathrooms will allow for improved accessibility of these facilities. The $198,000 funding contribution towards this project has made these repairs and upgrades an achievable goal. This will provide continued community use of this community hub for years to come.”
– Crystal Gray, Chief Administrative Officer, Township of Emo
“The Township of Alberton is grateful for the generous support of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to further enhance the accessibility of Millennium Park. Creating environments that meet the needs of all users enhances participation and wellness and strengthens community. The park is a year-round community gathering spot, and this project will have a tremendous impact ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy the space for years to come.”
– Mike Ford, Mayor, Township of Alberton
“The Curl Fort Frances Community Centre has recently been chosen by Curling Ontario and Team Northern Ontario as the host site for the 2026-2027 Northern Ontario Wheelchair Provincial Playdowns to be held March 3 to 7, 2027. The support received from the NOHFC and the province greatly enables us to provide an exceptional, accessible experience for our province’s wheelchair athletes, as well as ensure our local current and future members can enjoy our barrier free, accessible and safe environment.”
– Ron Silver, President, Curl Fort Frances Community Centre
“The Curl Fort Frances Community Centre is sincerely grateful to the Ontario government and the team at the NOHFC for funding our project. This investment to modernize our washrooms ensures people with disabilities and older adults are supported.”
– Raymond Roy, Vice-president, Curl Fort Frances Community Centre
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.
Media ContactSam McCormick Media Relations |
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