Funding will revitalize local Masonic centre and McIrvine Park to better serve the community

FORT FRANCES — The Ontario government is investing $601,250 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to revitalize the Fort Frances Masonic building and make important upgrades to the McIrvine park and ice rink in the Town of Fort Frances. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help northern communities build and revitalize important local infrastructure to create jobs and build a stronger, more resilient northern Ontario.

“Local infrastructure plays a vital role in attracting residents and workers that create healthy and strong communities across Northern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Our government is proud to support projects that improve communities through access to outdoor spaces and social initiatives that foster growth and prosperity.”

The Fort Frances Masonic Building Association is receiving $101,250 in NOHFC funding to replace its roof. The project will allow residents to continue using the facility with a safer, more accessible and modern space. The organizations operating out of this building will continue to deliver important employment and skills development programming that promotes workforce expansion and supports regional economic growth.

“The funding was used to repair the roof of the Masonic building, which has been a part of the community since 1921,” said Barry Jackson, Secretary of Fort Frances Masonic Building Association. “This building has provided a meeting and training facility for all occupations at no cost to employers and I would like to thank the NOHFC for providing us the grant so we may continue to provide these services to the public.”

Furthermore, the Town of Fort Frances is using $500,000 in NOHFC funding to upgrade McIrvine Park and McIrvine Rink by addressing accessibility issues and replacing aging infrastructure and equipment. The project will ensure the long-term stability of these outdoor spaces and foster a healthy and vibrant environment.

“The Town of Fort Frances is extremely grateful to MPP Rickford and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund,” said Andrew Hallikas, Mayor of Fort Frances. “Fort Frances is a hockey town and the $500,000 grant from the NOHFC will be used to put a roof over one of our outdoor rinks, which is located in McIrvine Park, allowing it to be better utilized during the skating season and also for year around social and recreational activities. Once again MPP Rickford and the NOHFC have come through for a small rural Northern community.”

“Our government’s investments to upgrade aging infrastructure in Fort Frances means community members can continue to gather for social and recreational activities in safe and accessible environments,” said, Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora – Rainy River. “Leveraging the NOHFC, we are enhancing the quality of life for families in Northwestern Ontario, by ensuring the longevity of the infrastructure we love and rely on.”

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 nearly 8,100 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.