Ontario Investing More Than $940,000 to Modernize Recreational Facilities in Thessalon

Funding will revitalize community spaces, increase accessibility and promote healthy, active lifestyles

March 27, 2026

THESSALON — The Ontario government is investing $940,759 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Town of Thessalon renovate its community arena and upgrade park playground equipment. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help municipalities improve local infrastructure that fosters strong, resilient northern communities.

“Arenas and parks help make communities vibrant, bringing people together for recreation and shared moments,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Through these investments, our government is helping the Town of Thessalon better serve its residents by improving infrastructure that supports the community’s well‑being.”

The Town of Thessalon is receiving $740,759 in NOHFC funding to modernize the Thessalon Memorial Arena and Curling Club. Renovations will include updating the arena’s ice mechanical plant, upgrading the electrical and heating systems and purchasing a new electric-powered ice resurfacer. These improvements will support the maintenance and operation of the facility while strengthening an important revenue stream for the municipality.

The town is also receiving $200,000 from the NOHFC to upgrade and renovate its Lakeside Park playground equipment. The installation of new playground equipment will create a safe and accessible space that supports inclusive, barrier‑free play for children. Enhancing this public space will improve families’ experience and support Thessalon’s growing community.

“The Town of Thessalon is grateful to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, for two funding opportunities that have and will allow enhancements at two of our beloved community staples,” said Jordan Bird, Mayor of the Town of Thessalon. “The Rural Enhancement Steam has enabled the Town to replace a deteriorating playground at Lakeside Park with a new and inclusive design; with feedback from community members, it became a true community project that portrays that everyone belongs in Thessalon. The Enhance Your Community Stream couldn’t have come at a better time; with an ice plant that has served the community past its life expectancy – this funding will support the replacement of a new efficient ice plant and ice resurfacer; helping our community making greener choices while enabling us to maintain a recreational hub for all ages.”

“Congratulations to the Town of Thessalon on securing funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for the Thessalon Curling Club and Arena’s new ice-making and ice resurface equipment, as well as upgraded playground equipment at Lakeside Park,” said Bill Rosenberg, Member of Provincial Parliament for Algoma – Manitoulin. “These meaningful investments from NOHFC play an important role in bringing people together and enhance a welcoming, safe and vibrant space for both residents and visitors. I am confident these great investments will ensure the enjoyment of these facilities and beautiful area for years to come. Thank you to everyone involved in making both investments in the community possible.”

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 8,000 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.