RESTOULE – The Ontario government is providing $170,871 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for the Local Services Board of Restoule to repair and modernize the outdoor recreation centre. This investment will improve quality of life for northerners by expanding access to recreational and community activities.

“This investment by the provincial government is a testament to our commitment to small town and rural Ontario. We’re making smart and strategic investments that are helping to give communities across Parry Sound-Muskoka the resources and tools they need to develop and grow, “ said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “I’m thrilled for Restoule and look forward to seeing the new and improved outdoor rink next winter.”

The Local Services Board will use $170,871 in funding from the NOHFC for Phase 1 of a two-phase community infrastructure building project to revitalize Restoule’s outdoor recreation centre by modernizing the existing rink with upgraded dasher boards, lighting, fencing and gating, and ice maintenance equipment. Using a phased approach will allow the work team to create value and prolong the life of the existing infrastructure, while carefully considering options for the new year-round covered structure planned for Phase 2 of the project.

“Replacement of the rink boards, the purchase of resurfacing equipment and sports equipment were only made possible by funding provided by NOHFC. A storage unit to house the tractor, Zamboni and snow blower is also part of the overall project and is crucial to keep the equipment in top shape for years to come,” said Mike McVeety, Secretary and Treasurer of the Restoule Local Services Board. “We are grateful for Ontario’s support for this year-round facility hosting a variety of activities including basketball, pickle ball, broom ball, hockey and pleasure skating for residents and visitors of all ages.”

“Our government is committed to revitalizing community infrastructure across the North,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “We are focused on keeping our communities relevant and current, improving sport and recreational opportunities, and making Northern Ontario an attractive place to live, work, play and do business.”

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 $639 million in 5,265 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 8,420 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.

Media Contacts

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office — 437-240-7317 — curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca

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