Funding will enhance community spaces, improve accessibility and support healthy, active lifestyles

May 5, 2026

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Ontario government is investing $858,080 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the City of Sault Ste. Marie upgrade its parks and outdoor recreational spaces. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help municipalities build and revitalize local infrastructure to support healthy and active northern communities.

“Outdoor recreation helps residents feel more connected to the community while strengthening their physical and mental well‑being,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Our government is partnering with northern communities to revitalize essential outdoor spaces, enhance quality of life for families and ensure our neighbourhoods remain strong places to live, work and invest.”

NOHFC funding is being used to support the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Outdoor Recreation and Parks Improvement Project. By implementing accessibility upgrades and installing new equipment, this project is creating inclusive, barrier‑free parks and outdoor recreation areas. These enhancements will help ensure that all community members, including those with mobility concerns, can enjoy public open-air spaces and participate in outdoor activities.

“Support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation is helping us invest in the spaces that bring our community together,” said Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie. “This project will enhance parks and outdoor recreation amenities across Sault Ste. Marie, creating more opportunities for residents and families to stay active, connect and enjoy our city. We appreciate the province’s partnership in improving the quality of life for people across our community.”

The NOHFC is supporting the following improvements:

• Wilcox Park – playground upgrades and revamped layout, including a paved path and the installation of new surfacing and accessible play equipment, seating and pathways, as well as the conversion of old tennis courts into a single multisport court with basketball and hockey nets.
• Manitou Park – playground upgrades and revamped layout, including a paved path and the installation of new surfacing and accessible play equipment, seating and pathways.
• Manzo Park – park upgrades, including the installation of new windows at Manzo Pool, and paved paths and the installation of new surfacing and accessible play equipment and amenities at the playground.
• Strathclair Complex – facility upgrades, including the installation of batter boxes and addition of energy-efficient solar lighting in the parking lot, as well as modern amenity improvements to the dog park.
• Greco Pool – pool upgrades, including the construction of two accessible washrooms and improvements to the changerooms.

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.

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.