Funding will convert unused downtown theatre into modern arts and culture facility

July 3, 2026

ELLIOT LAKE — The Ontario government is investing $405,215 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the City of Elliot Lake convert an unused movie theatre into a new arts centre. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to help northern municipalities build and upgrade community infrastructure, boosting local tourism, creating jobs and providing residents and visitors with safe, welcoming spaces.

“Our government’s investments are playing a key role in revitalizing Elliot Lake’s downtown core,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “We are helping to create a vibrant, state-of-the-art facility where residents and tourists can enjoy plays, concerts and a wide range of other artistic and cultural events and activities.”

The City of Elliot Lake is using NOHFC funding to renovate an aging building to create a new community space for the arts. The project includes upgrades to the building’s plumbing, electrical and ventilation systems, along with structural rehabilitation. Additional work will enhance the building’s façade and introduce accessible washrooms, a lunchroom and dedicated artist dressing rooms. Once complete, the centre will enable the city to offer year-round arts and culture programming for residents and visitors of all ages, helping to attract more people and economic activity to the downtown core. The facility will also be available for rental opportunities and classes that will generate revenue.

“The generous funding from the NOHFC assisted the municipality in turning a former movie theater into a vibrant centre for art and culture in the city,” said Dr. Andrew Wannan, Mayor of the City of Elliot Lake. “The Elliot Lake Arts and Heritage Centre is a place where residents and visitors can both practice and enjoy multiple art disciplines. It serves as the home to the Elliot Lake Arts Club and the Elliot Lake Model Railroad Club. The City thanks the Ontario Conservative Government and the team at the NOHFC for their continued support.”

“On behalf of the province of Ontario, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on your NOHFC funding for the Arts and Cultural Centre project,” said Bill Rosenberg, Member of Provincial Parliament for Algoma – Manitoulin. “This important investment allows a welcoming and accessible space where residents and visitors alike can gather to enjoy arts, culture and community events. Please accept my warmest congratulations and best wishes for continued success. Congratulations to everyone whose dedication and hard work have made this project 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 8,600 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,400 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.