WEST NIPISSING – The Ontario government is providing $567,500 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for two community enhancement projects in West Nipissing. This investment will expand access to recreational and community activities and improve quality of life for northerners.

“Our government is enhancing community infrastructure in West Nipissing to provide a higher quality of life for the residents that live here,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “We will continue to foster a strong future in our region by supporting economic growth and reaffirming the North as a great place to call home.

The Municipality of West Nipissing is receiving $500,000 in NOHFC funding to renovate an outdoor rink. The project includes pouring a new concrete base, replacing the boards, adding new lights and building a roof. The new facility will allow for year-round use with more options for sports and activities.

Centre Communautaire de Lavigne – a non-profit promoting recreational, athletic, and community pursuits – is receiving $67,500 in NOHFC funding to replace a septic holding tank in the village’s main community event hall, which will extend the lifespan and efficiency of the public facility.

“The Ontario government is investing in multi-use recreational facilities in West Nipissing that can be used for community-based events year-round,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “These spaces will attract residents from across the region and help create healthy and connected Northern communities.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $608 million in 5,070 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.93 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 8,100 jobs.

Quick Fact

• The Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the north.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.

• The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.

Quotes

“It’s exciting to see this volunteer-led project move forward. I want to thank our provincial government for this significant contribution. Funding from NOHFC will allow us to support the efforts of our community volunteers, who have been fundraising for years to bring improvements to the outdoor rink. The addition of a roof, new rink surface, boards and lights will extend the life and use of this community gem for years to come.” –Kathleen Rochon, Mayor of West Nipissing.

“NOHFC funding is helping the community centre remain a pillar in Lavigne for recreation, culture, athleticism and community services. Ontario’s support helps ensure that this important infrastructure will continue to serve Lavigne and the surrounding area for many years to come.” – Daniel Corriveau, President, Lavigne Community Centre.

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office — 416-450-1309 — erika.robson@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch — mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca