TIMMINS — The Ontario government is investing over $485,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in the Timmins Festivals and Events Committee (TFEC) to grow entertainment and tourism in Northeastern Ontario. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this investment will help communities attract talent and tourists to the North, boosting local economic growth and creating good-paying jobs.

“This investment will help bring more artists and tourists to the great city of Timmins at a time when so many families are looking for made-in-Canada experiences,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Now more than ever, we need to protect Ontario by helping northern communities increase local tourism by attracting visitors from near and far who want to enjoy all that Northern Ontario has to offer.”

The Timmins Festivals and Events Committee, a not-for-profit organization that brings musical entertainment to Timmins, is receiving funding to purchase a mobile stage and two on-set trailers. These upgrades will reduce operational expenses for event organizers and allow funds to be reinvested in attracting more talent and expand events such as Rock on the River. An annual large-scale music festival, Rock on the River is a highlight for many residents and a destination for tourists each summer. In addition, TFEC will generate revenue and support more events by renting the stage and on-site trailers to other event organizers.

Announced in June 2025, the Ontario government is refocusing the NOHFC to prioritize investments 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 driving prosperity, boosting competitiveness, securing new opportunities 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 $905 million in 7,309 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,210 jobs.
• TFEC is also receiving $125,000 in funding via the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming’s Experience Ontario Through Experience Ontario, the provincial government is investing nearly $20 million in more than 350 festivals and events across the province this year, helping boost tourism and strengthen local economies.

Quotes

“Ontario’s festivals and events showcase the best of our province, while instilling pride, creating jobs and boosting local economies. Now more than ever, it is important that we come together to take part in made-in-Ontario experiences that celebrate our collective identity and support our local communities.” – Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming

“With the support of the NOHFC, the Timmins Festivals and Events Committee is investing in a new stage and trailers that will reduce costs for local events while attracting top-quality performers to our region. This funding strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences and supports the growth of arts and culture across Northern Ontario.” – John Olaveson, Chair, Timmins Festivals and Events Committee

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.