Funding will modernize key municipal infrastructure in Northwestern Ontario
November 10, 2025
FORT FRANCES — The Ontario government is investing nearly $900,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support four development projects in Northwestern Ontario. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help revitalize critical municipal infrastructure to create jobs and build stronger, healthier and more self-reliant northern communities.
“We are supporting the priorities of communities and organizations that contribute to a healthy, strong and vibrant Northern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Our government’s NOHFC funding continues to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity across the North.”
The NOHFC is providing funding to the following projects:
- $500,000 for the Town of Fort Frances to replace the Fort Frances Museum & Cultural Centre’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system with a high efficiency unit.
- $200,000 for Watten Fire Protection Team Inc. to extend the size of the Watten Volunteer Fire Department Building to accommodate larger firetrucks.
- $143,175 for the Town of Fort Frances to refurbish the Sorting Gap Marina and surrounding waterfront, which includes repairing dock access ramps, replacing retaining wall stones and docking timbers, and installing new light poles.
- $56,250 for the Town of Fort Frances to renovate the East End Hall community centre, which includes excavating the basement, installing damp proofing and weeping tile, and replacing roof shingles and components of the HVAC system.
“The NOHFC remains a critical tool used to support and sustain stronger, safer and more vibrant communities throughout Northwestern Ontario,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River. “We are supporting key local projects in Fort Frances and Watten Township to ensure that the public spaces and emergency services we rely on are built to last and continue serving our community members.”
The Ontario government is committed to prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that will 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 recently announced investment of an additional $30 million over the next 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 $983 million in 7,951 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.9 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,350 jobs.
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Officesand Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
Quotes
“The Town of Fort Frances is very grateful to Minister Pirie, MPP Rickford and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for supporting several important projects that will increase the quality of life for our residents,” said Andrew Hallikas, Mayor of Fort Frances. “We will be able to improve the Sorting Gap Marina, make necessary repairs to the East End Hall and ensure continued preservation of our history by replacing the HVAC system at our Museum. Once again, the Ontario government has come to the assistance of Fort Frances and its residents, we are very appreciative.”
“The residents of Watten Township would like to thank the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth for their support,” said Sabina Rossi, Project Manager, Watten Fire Protection Team Inc. “We appreciate being able to utilize the NOHFC to upgrade the Watten fire hall building. We can now look forward to being able to accommodate newer fire trucks and provide space for residents to enjoy multi-use activities in the future upgraded fire hall.”
Media ContactSam McCormick Media Desk
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