June 23, 2026
Provincial funding will help build a new local health centre and upgrade community facilities
WAWA — The Ontario government is investing nearly $700,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to upgrade two community facilities and build a health centre, enhancing opportunities for recreation and public use. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help northern municipalities build and revitalize local infrastructure to build strong, healthy and accessible communities.
“Investments in recreation and public spaces for everyone to enjoy are important for a connected community,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Through support for key projects, our government is expanding the offerings available in our northern communities and supporting essential spaces for youth, families and seniors to grow and learn.”
The NOHFC is providing funding for the following projects:
- $668,708 for Michipicoten First Nation to build a new health centre that will include a public kitchen for community events, a space for gatherings, a garden featuring traditional medicine and foods and a multipurpose programming room for events and education. Once complete, this project will provide a welcoming, culturally appropriate space to connect, strengthen bonds to the land and culture, and improve the day-to-day lives and health of community members
- $30,439 for the Local Services Board of Hawk Junction to replace the roofs of the community hall and storage building with new steel roofing systems, as well as install snow guards and flashing and capping materials to both buildings. This project will improve and extend the life of the buildings, provide an important and safe emergency space for residents and enable continued use of the community centre for activities, meetings, social and charity events, educational sessions and health and wellness programming.
“Congratulations to Michipicoten First Nation and the Local Services Board of Hawk Junction on receiving NOHFC funding for these important projects,” said Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma–Manitoulin. “From a new health centre to upgrades to key community facilities, these investments will strengthen local services, support community well-being and help build strong, healthy and connected communities across northern 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
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government has invested more than $1 billion to support over 8,600 projects through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. By building a new health centre in Michipicoten First Nation, we are ensuring that patients can access the care they need, where and when they need it.”
– Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
“As a project that was once slated as a renovation and quickly spiraled into a completely new build, Michipicoten First Nation was able to navigate and complete our Health Centre renovation project with the assistance, guidance, understanding and funding support from NOHFC. The completion of the Michipicoten First Nation Health Centre has greatly improved the community’s health services and has provided space for traditional activities for both youth and elders through a collaborative kitchen and garden, providing welcoming, culturally appropriate spaces to connect, strengthen bonds to the land and culture and improve community members’ day-to-day lives and their health. This includes programs like Meals on Moccasins, which provides nutritious food for elders and individuals with disabilities, along with our Diabetes Socials, which support a sense of community, interconnectedness, health education and entertainment for the community. We would like to thank our NOHFC representatives and everyone who made this project possible.”
– Chad Edgar, Chief, Michipicoten First Nation
“The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) grant has provided Hawk Junction with the opportunity to complete much-needed roof repairs on both our Community Centre and Storage Building, helping to protect these important community assets for years to come. As a result of this project, residents and visitors now have a safer and more secure facility to gather for community functions, personal celebrations, town meetings and as a reliable place to come together during times of emergency or crisis. The Community Centre plays a vital role in our community and these improvements ensure it can continue serving residents in a safe and welcoming environment. We are extremely grateful for the support provided through the NOHFC grant.”
– Janice Parr, Chair, Local Services Board of Hawk Junction
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 Contact
Sam McCormick, Minister’s Office Media Relations, Communications Branch |
news.ontario.ca/mnedg/en Disponible en français |
