NEEBING – The Ontario government is providing more than $650,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for two community development projects in the Municipality of Neebing. This investment will improve recreational infrastructure, promote tourism and enhance quality of life for northerners.

These two substantial investments for Neebing Township represent our commitment to supporting and promoting growth in Northwestern Ontario,” said Kevin Holland, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Development and MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan. “Through NOHFC, the Blake Hall Community Centre Outdoor Arena will get the improvements it needs to provide enjoyment for the community for years to come.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $500,000 for the Municipality of Neebing to upgrade the Blake Hall Community Centre outdoor arena by replacing the rink boards and adding a concrete surface, accessible entrance, roof and lighting. These upgrades will extend the outdoor skating season by six weeks and create a location to host summer community activities, such as vendor fairs, dances, sporting events.
• $155,692 for the Municipality of Neebing to improve the Alf Olsen Memorial Park outdoor arena by adding a concrete surface and lighting. These upgrades will extend the outdoor skating season by three weeks and create new recreational opportunities in the summer.

“Our government is making sure northwestern communities have the resources they need to build strong, healthy and vibrant communities,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Through targeted investments, our government is helping Neebing improve the quality of their facilities for the benefit of community members and visitors alike.”

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 $685 million in 5,656 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,000 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

“Mayor and Council are grateful for the financial assistance from NOHFC. This funding will bring our community together by enhancing our recreational and event spaces. These projects will create opportunities for new community events, as well as greater community participation and collaboration. We thank MPP Kevin Holland for his continued support and leadership in the North.” – Council of the Municipality of Neebing

Media Contacts

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

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